Aluminum nitrate is a bit of theory

If you think that such chemical compounds as nitrates have nothing to do with your life, then you are deeply mistaken. They come into contact with practically all branches of the national economy and industry, and it is simply impossible to not know about them. Aluminum nitrate is in its composition an inorganic compound of white or color. It can also be colorless. In terms of chemical composition, aluminum nitrate is an aluminum salt of nitric acid, that is, aluminum compounds that react with acids in response to certain reagents. Aluminum has basic and anhydrous nitrates, although the field of application of both is practically the same.

Anhydrous aluminum nitrate is hygroscopic, it has a unique ability to absorb water vapor from the air. And the substance itself is a crystalline form and is smoky in the air. In addition, aluminum nitrate is highly soluble in water and in polar organic solvents. Another distinctive property of this substance is that it is a very strong oxidant. Its anhydrous form reacts with a wide variety of organic solvents. An aqueous solution of aluminum nitrate is obtained by dissolving aluminum in nitric acid by laboratory methods.

The main area of application of aluminum nitrate in the modern world is the textile industry. Since the density of aluminum is relatively small, the composition on the basis of this substance processes the surface of the tissues. This is done before staining. In this case, aluminum nitrate is the best way to melt any textile material. That's why this substance is so familiar to all of us.

In addition, aluminum nitrate is widely used in the oil refining industry, in particular, for the production of basic fuels and lubricants. Thus, the substance serves as a catalyst for the process of oil purification from undesirable impurities. Another unique property of aluminum nitrate is the ability to protect different surfaces from corrosion. After all, an aggressively tuned environment will not allow one or another metal product to exist quietly. Many compounds based on this substance are very popular in their field.

Aluminum nitrate is also found in a number of other industries. It is used to make molding mixtures, insulation paper, when creating heating elements, for the formation of special filaments. A special place is aluminum nitrate in nuclear physics. But this is a completely different topic, because we will have to consider in more detail the chemical formula of this element and the changes that will occur in it under the action of certain reagents.

It is worth mentioning another interesting property of aluminum. The fact is that in all compounds that contain its elements, any one-percent acid is necessarily added. The reason is that improper storage of the mixture can lead to the onset of the process of spontaneous combustion, and this is fraught with serious consequences. In a weakly acid solution such a reaction can not occur, but alkalis instantly activate this action.

Do not forget about safety when working with aluminum - the presence of a respirator, gloves and protective clothing is mandatory. And in the premises designed for the storage of compounds with the use of this, all fire-fighting measures must be observed. Also, do not forget about properly designed air ventilation and extraction. Only compliance with all these rules and regulations will allow us to safely receive a variety of products that are actively used by us in everyday life.