Chance Venable

Mr. Webb
Honors Chemistry, 2
nd

26/02/14
Honors Project: Aluminum Carbonate
When hearing the words aluminum carbonate, the first thing that may come to mind is
the foil wrap used in a modern day kitchen to preserve food. Contrary to popular (not very
popular) belief, this is a different form of aluminum. Aluminum carbonate, otherwise known
by the chemical formula Al
2
(CO
3
)
3,
is the carbonate salt form of aluminum (Drugs.com). Being a
naturally occurring substance, aluminum carbonate is a component of the mineral
strontiodesserite (Drugs.com) (Wikipedia). The original shiny, malleable structure of aluminum
that could have been pictured when first hearing the words aluminum carbonate is also an
incorrect portrayal. The physical form of aluminum carbonate is actually a powder
(AmericanElements). Reading the words aluminum carbonate from here on out will now bring
a different standpoint than your ordinary modern day kitchen enhancer.
Aside from basic information, aluminum carbonate can get chemically complex. The
chemical formula for aluminum carbonate is C
3
Al
2
O
9.
The molar mass of aluminum carbonate is
233.99 grams per mol. (American Elements). Aluminum carbonate can be formed with the
reactions between the compounds aluminum sulfate (Al
2
(SO
4
)
3
), and sodium carbonate
(Na
2
CO
3
) with the formula Al
2
(SO
4
)
3
+ 3 Na
2
CO
3
Al
2
(CO
3
)
3
+ 3 Na
2
SO
4.
The decomposition
of aluminum carbonate is different; it decomposes into aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)
3
)
and carbon dioxide (CO
2
) with the formula Al
2
(CO
3
)
3
+ 3 H
2
O 2 Al(OH)
3
+ 3 CO
2.
Since
aluminum carbonate can readily decompose into aluminum hydroxide and carbon dioxide, its
seen in fire extinguishers considering carbon dioxide has an inert nature, making it available
quickly to extinguish a fire.
Previously, aluminum carbonate was used in order to combat stomach acid conditions
such as heartburn, acid reflux, acid indigestion, stomach, ulcers, and more (Drugs.com). Other
uses of aluminum carbonate were to control high levels of phosphate in the body along with a
low-phosphate diet to prevent the formation of urinary stones (WiseGEEK). Basaljel was the
medical name for aluminum carbonate supplements, and could be taken by tablet or liquid.
Although a typically safe supplement, minor side effects included allergic reactions,
constipation, weight loss, muscle failure, and bone softening. Correct dosage of aluminum
carbonate was very crucial (as with any other drug); if taken excessively, it tended to actually
make stomach acid conditions worse. If the user of Basiljel had a previous experience of kidney
disease, they could experience kidney failure. To add to this drug, taking Basiljel with other
medicines can alter the bodys ability to absorb other drugs. If pregnant, the drug should not be
taken in order to avoid birth defects (Gicare.com). Today, Basiljel is not in use by
pharmaceutical companies (Drugs.com). In relation to agriculture, aluminum carbonate has been
used in combined into Magnesium-Aluminum Carbonate Hydroxide and used to assist crops
with growth (Minsocam).
After the discontinuation of Basiljel, aluminum isnt typically used in medication
anymore and is associated as a non-existent compound in the pharmaceutical world. Although
aluminum carbonate didnt quite prove to be more efficient than the foil wrap used in a kitchen.
On the bright side, aluminums reaction to carbon dioxide may be implemented into future
technology that could prove its benefits to future societies throughout the world.
















Chance Venable
Mr. Webb
Honors Chemistry, 2nd
26/02/14
Works Cited
"Aluminium Carbonate." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Feb. 2014. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium_carbonate>.
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<http://americanelements.com/alcb.html>.
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<http://www.medicinenet.com/aluminum_carbonate-oral/article.htm>.
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<http://gicare.com/medication/aluminum-carbonate/>.
"Upset stomach remedies: calming gut reactions." Maclean's 25 Nov. 1991: OTC 6+. Opposing
Viewpoints In Context. Web. 27 Mar. 2014.
"What Is Aluminum Carbonate?" WiseGEEK. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-aluminum-carbonate.htm>.
Wilbraham, Staley, Matta, and Waterman. North Carolina Chemistry. 1st ed. Vol. 1. Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 1997. Print.