Potassium aluminium sulfate facts for kids
Octahedral potassium alum crystal with unequal distribution of the face area
Potassium aluminium sulfate, or potash alum, or potassium alum, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is KAl(SO4)2. It contains potassium, aluminium, and sulfate ions.
Properties
It is a white acidic solid. It reacts with sodium bicarbonate to make carbon dioxide gas. It does exist naturally. It can often be found as a mineral.
Preparation
It is made by reacting aluminium sulfate with potassium sulfate.
Uses
It is used to purify water (H2O). It is also used in deodorants. It is an antiseptic. It had several uses in the past, such as in dying clothes. It is used to grow big crystals.
Related pages
Images for kids
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An alum block sold as an astringent in pharmacies in India (where it is widely known as Fitkiri (Bengali), Fitkari (Hindi) or Phitkari (Urdu)
See also
In Spanish: Alumbre de potasio para niños
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Potassium aluminium sulfate Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.