Che 12 TH

JAGANNATH VIDYALAYA SENIOR SECONDARY
SCHOOL
ACADAMIC YEAR-2024-25
AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT:
To prepare potash alum from aluminium scarp
INDEX
INTRODUCTION
Aluminium, prized for its remarkable properties including low
density, high tensile strength, and resistance to corrosion, serves as a
cornerstone material across diverse industries. Its versatility finds
expression in the construction of airplanes, automobiles, lawn
furniture, and the ubiquitous aluminium cans. Moreover, its
exceptional conductivity renders it indispensable in electrical
transmission and the production of utensils. However, perhaps equally
significant is its role in the realm of sustainability. The recycling of
aluminium products emerges as a beacon of environmental
stewardship, offering a compelling solution to the conservation of
natural resources. Recycled aluminium undergoes a transformative
journey, often being melted and reincarnated into a myriad of
aluminium products or contributing to the creation of various
aluminium compounds, notably alums.
Alums are double sulphates having general formula:-
X2SO4.M2(SO4)3.24H2O
X = Monovalent cation;
M = Trivalent cation;
Some important alum and their names are given below:
✓ K2SO4.Al2(SO4)3.24H2O -Potash Alum

✓ Na2SO4.Al2(SO4)3.24H2O-Soda Alum
✓ K2SO4.Cr2(SO4)3.24H2O -Chrome Alum
✓ (NH)2SO4.Fe2(SO4)3.24H2O - Ferric Alum
Potash alum is used in papermaking, in fire extinguishers, in food

stuffs and in purification of water soda alum used in baking powders
and chrome alum is used in tanning leather and water proofing
fabrics.
In addition to these primary uses, alum is also used as
i. Astringent: Alum is known for its ability to tighten or

constrict body tissues. This property makes it effective in
stopping bleeding or other fluid secretions. It has been
traditionally used by barbers to treat cuts caused during
shaving. When applied to the skin, alum helps close the wound
and promotes healing.
ii. Mordant in Dyeing: In the process of dyeing fabrics, a
mordant is used to fix certain types of dyes onto the cloth,
ensuring they stay in place and remain vibrant. Alum acts as a
mordant in dyeing. It forms a chemical bond with the dye
molecules, allowing them to adhere to the fabric more
effectively. This process helps create longer-lasting and more
colorfast dyed fabrics.
iii. Removal of Phosphate from Water: Alum can also be used
to remove phosphate from both natural bodies of water and
wastewater. When alum is added to water containing phosphate
ions, it reacts with them to form a solid compound called
aluminum hydroxyphosphate, which precipitates out of the
water. This process helps reduce phosphate levels in water,
which is important for preventing eutrophication and
maintaining water quality.
iv. Fireproofing Fabrics: The major uses of alums are based on
two important properties, namely precipitation of Al(OH)3 and
those related to the acidity created by the production of
hydrogen ions.
Al(H2O)6 +3→ Al(OH)3↓ + 3H2O + 3H+
The H+ ions generated are used foe reacting with sodium
bicarbonate to release CO2. This property is made use of in
baking powder and CO2 fire extinguishers.
AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT:

To prepare potash alum from aluminium scrap.
APPARATUS REQUIRED:
❋ 250 ml flask
❋Funnel
❋Beaker
❋ Scrap aluminium or cola can
❋ Potassium hydroxide solution (KOH)
❋ 6 M Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4)
❋ Water Bath
❋ Ethanol
THEORY:
Aluminum metal is treated with hot aqueous KOH solution.
Aluminium dissolves as potassium aluminate, KAl (OH) 4, salt
Pota
s sium
aluminate solution on treatment with dil. Sulphuric acid first gives
precipitate Al (OH) 3, which dissolves on addition of small excess of
H2SO4 and heating.

The resulting solution is concentrated to near saturation and cooled.
On cooling crystals of potash alum crystallize out.
REACTIONS:
PROCEDURE:
1. Clean a small piece of scrap aluminium with steel wool and cut it
into very small pieces. Aluminium foil may be taken instead of scrap
aluminium.
2. Put the small pieces of scrap aluminium or aluminium foil

(about 1.00g) into a conical flask and add about 50 ml of 4 M
KOH solution to dissolve the aluminium.
3. The flask may be heated gently in order to facilitate dissolution.

Since during this step hydrogen gas is evolved this step must be done
in a well-ventilated area.
4.Continue heating until all of the aluminium reacts.
5.Filter the solution to remove any insoluble impurities and

reduce the volume to about 25 ml by heating.
6. Allow the filtrate to cool. Now add slowly 6 M H2SO4 until

insoluble Al (OH)3 just forms in the solution. Procedure
7. Gently heat the mixture until the Al(OH)3 precipitate dissolves.
8. Cool the resulting solution in an ice-bath for about 30 minutes

whereby alum crystals should separate out. For better results the
solution may be left overnight for crystallization to continue.
9. In case crystals do not form the solution may be further

concentrated and cooled again.
10. In case crystals do not form the solution may be further

concentrated and cooled again.
11. Filter the crystals from the solution using vacuum pump, wash the
crystals with 50/50 ethanol-water mixture.
12. Continue applying the vacuum until the crystals appear dry.
13. Determine the mass of alum crystals.
OBSERVATIONS
Mass of aluminium metal = 2.39 g
Mass of potash alum = 4.67 g
Theoretical yield of potash alum = 5.43 g
Percent yield = 86%
CONCLUSION
Potash alum of 86 % yield was prepared from aluminium scrap.
PRECAUTIONS
1 Handle the glass wares safely.
2 Allow the time required to set.
3 Spray only required amount of water
BIBILOGRAPHY
∎ HE L P F ROM INTERNET
• www. goog le . c om
• www.wik ipedi a.org
• www. i cbs e. com
∎ INFORMATION F ROM L I BRARY
∎ HE L P F ROM T E ACHERS

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JAGANNATH VIDYALAYA SENIOR SECONDARY

To prepare potash alum from aluminium scarp

Some important alum and their names are given below:

✓ K2SO4.Al2(SO4)3.24H2O -Potash Alum

Potash alum is used in papermaking, in fire extinguishers, in food

In addition to these primary uses, alum is also used as

i. Astringent: Alum is known for its ability to tighten or

AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT:

H2SO4 and heating.

2. Put the small pieces of scrap aluminium or aluminium foil

3. The flask may be heated gently in order to facilitate dissolution.

4.Continue heating until all of the aluminium reacts.

5.Filter the solution to remove any insoluble impurities and

6. Allow the filtrate to cool. Now add slowly 6 M H2SO4 until

7. Gently heat the mixture until the Al(OH)3 precipitate dissolves.

8. Cool the resulting solution in an ice-bath for about 30 minutes

9. In case crystals do not form the solution may be further

10. In case crystals do not form the solution may be further

13. Determine the mass of alum crystals.

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