General Description
A white, crystalline solid. Noncombustible but can accelerate the burning of combustible materials. If large quantities are involved or the combustible material is finely divided, an explosion may result. Prolonged exposure to fire or heat may result in an explosion. Fires that involve this material, produce oxides of nitrogen. Uses include, petroleum refining, dyeing, and leather tanning.
Reactivity Profile
ALUMINUM NITRATE(13473-90-0) is an oxidizing agent. Mixtures with alkyl esters may explode. Mixtures with phosphorus, tin(II) chloride or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick 1979 p. 108].
Air & Water Reactions
Deliquescent. Water soluble. Aqueous solutions are acidic.
Health Hazard
Ingestion of large doses causes gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting, and purging. Contact with dust irritates eyes and skin.
Potential Exposure
Aluminum nitrate is used in tanning leather; as an antiperspirant, as a corrosion inhibitor, in the extraction of uranium and as a nitrating agent
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. Aluminum nitrate poisoning requires special first aid and antidote.
Shipping
UN1438 Aluminum nitrate, Hazard Class: 5.1; Labels: 5.1-Oxidizer.
Incompatibilities
Aluminum nitrate is a strong oxidizer; avoid contact with flammable or combustible materials; and reducing agents, including chlorides. In solution this chemical is a strong acid; avoid contact with bases. Explosions may occur when aluminum nitrate is shocked or exposed to heat.
Description
Aluminum nitrate, is a white, crystalline material that is soluble in cold water. It is a powerful oxidizing agent that decomposes at approximately 300°F. Aluminum nitrate should not be stored near combustible materials. The four-digit UN identification number is 1438. The primary uses are in textiles, leather tanning, as an anticorrosion agent, and as an antiperspirant.
Chemical Properties
Aluminum nitrate is an odorless, white crystalline solid, often in liquid solution,Soluble in cold water, alcohol and acetone; decomposes in hot water.
Waste Disposal
See Spill Handling above.
Hazard
Powerful oxidizing agent. Do not store near combustible materials.
Purification Methods
Crystallise the nitrate from dilute HNO3, and dry it by passing dry nitrogen through the crystals for several hours at 40o. After 2 recrystallisations of ACS grade, it had S, Na and Fe at 2.2, 0.01 and 0.02 ppm, respectively.
