Topic- Preparation Of Alum from Scrap

Aluminum Name- Anjali

Class- XI-A
Roll No.-8
Submitted to- Mrs. Divya Jose
Name- Class- XI-A
Roll No.-
This is to certify that Preparation of Alum from Scrap Aluminum is a bonafide
work of Anjali in the subject of Chemistry during the academic year 2024-25.

Teacher in Charge- Examiner Signature- Principal-

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I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my chemistry
teacher,
, for their guidance and support throughout
this project. Their insights and encouragement were
invaluable in understanding the concepts and conducting
experiments. I am also thankful to my classmates for their
cooperation and collaboration, which made this learning
experience enjoyable and enriching. Finally, I extend my
appreciation to my family for their constant support and
encouragement.

THANKYOU
1 Introduction 01
2 Uses 02-03
3 Aim 04
4 Material Required 05
5 Theory 06
6 Chemical Reactions 07
7 Procedure 08
8 Result 09
9 Result Analysis 10-12
10 Experimental Evidence 13-14
11 Precautions 15
12 Conclusions 16-17
13 Bibliography 18
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•
Aluminum because of its low density, high tensile strength and resistance to corrosion is
widely used for manufacture of airplanes, automobiles lawn, furniture as well as aluminum
cans. Being good conductor of electricity it is also used for wrapping cigarettes, confectional
etc. Aluminum is also used for making utensils. Recycling of aluminum, and other aluminum
products is very positive contribution to saving the natural resources. Most of the recycled
aluminum is melted and recast into other aluminum metals product or used in the production
of various aluminum compounds. The most common of which are alums. Alums are double
sulphates having general formula .
•
Where, X= Monovalent Cation such as Na+, K+,
NH4+, etc. M= Trivalent Cation such as
Al+3, Cr+3, Fe+3, etc.
•
Alums are isomorphous crystalline solids which are soluble in water. Potash alum is used in
papermaking, in fire extinguishers in food stuffs and in purification of water. Soda alum is
used in baking powders and chrome alum is used in tanning leather and water proofing
fabrics.
•
Some important alums are-
- Potash Alum - K2SO4 . Al2(SO4)3 . 24H20
- Ferric Alum - (NH4)2SO4 . Fe2(SO4)3 . 24H2O
- Chrome Alum - K2SO4 . Cr2(SO4)3 . 24H2O
- Soda Alum - Na2SO4 . Al2(SO4)3 . 24H2O

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There are several uses of potash alum in experiments, including:
I. Crystal growth: Potash alum is commonly used to grow large, transparent crystals in various
shapes and sizes. This can be done by dissolving the alum in hot water and allowing it to slowly
cool down. As the solution cools, the alum molecules come together and form solid crystals.
2. pH indicator: Potash alum can act as a pH indicator in experiments. It changes color
depending on the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. For example, when added to an acidic
solution, it turns red, while in an alkaline solution, it turns blue.
3. Purification of water: Potash alum can be used to purify water in experiments by removing
impurities and suspended particles through a process called flocculation. When added to
water., it forms sticky flocs that settle at the bottom along with the impurities, making it easier
to filter and obtain clean water.
4. Flame test: Potash alum can be used in flame tests to identify certain elements present in a
sample. When heated strongly in a Bunsen burner flame, different metal ions present in the
alum produce characteristic colors. For example, potassium ions present in potash alum give off
a lilac-purple color.
5. Synthesis of other compounds: Potash alum can be used as a starting material for
synthesizing other compounds or materials in experiments. It provides a source of aluminum
ion (A13+) which can react with other reagents to form new substances or compounds with
specific properties.

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6. Cosmetics and personal care: Potash alum is commonly used in cosmetic products such
as deodorants, aftershaves, and antiperspirants due to its astringent and antiseptic
properties. It helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria and reduce body odor.
7.Water purification: Potash alum is used as a coagulant in water treatment plants to remove
impurities. It helps to coagulate suspended particles, making them easier to remove during
the filtration process.
8. Leather tanning: Potash alum is used in the leather industry as a tanning agent. It helps to
stabilize the structure of the leather and make it more durable.
9. Fire extinguishers: Potash alum is an essential ingredient in certain types of fire
extinguishers. When heated, it releases water molecules that help to cool down and
suppress the fire.
10. Paper sizing: Potash alum is used in the paper industry to improve the strength and
durability of paper. It acts as a sizing agent, preventing the paper from absorbing water and ink
too quickly.
11. Food preservation: Potash alum is sometimes used as a food preservative, particularly
for pickling and canning. It helps to maintain the texture and color of fruits and vegetables
while preventing microbial growth.
12. Medicinal uses: Potash alum has been used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic
and astringent properties. It is sometimes used topically to treat minor cuts, wounds, and
skin irritations.
Overall., potash alum is versatile and widely used in various scientific experiments due to its
unique properties and ability to form crystals and react with other substances effectively. It is
important to note that while potash alum has several practical uses, it should always be used in
accordance with safety guidelines and regulations.
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To Prepare potash alum from scrap aluminum

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1.250 ml conical flask
2. Funnel
3. Beaker
4. 4 M KOH
5. 6 M H2S04
6. Scrap aluminium piece
7.Scissors
8. Bunsen Burner
9. Filtrate
10. Ice-bath
11. Tongs
12. Watch glass
13. Analytical balance

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Aluminum because of its low density, high tensile strength and resistance to corrosion is widely
used for the manufacture of airplanes, automobiles, lawn furniture as well as for aluminum cans.
Apart from this, most of the Aluminum is recycled by melting and recasting to various aluminum
compounds, the most common of which are the alums. Aluminum metal is treated with hot
aqueous KOH solution. Aluminum dissolves as potassium aluminate, KAl(OH)4, salt.

Potassium aluminate solution on treatment with dil. sulphuric acid first gives precipitate of
Al(OH)3, which dissolves on addition of small excess of H,S0, and heating.

The resulting solution is concentrated to near saturation and cooled. On cooling crystals of
potash alum crystalize out.

When a solution containing two inorganic salts in a definite proportion is allowed to crystallize a
double salt is said to have separated. The name alum is given to the this special series of
double salt.

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Dissolving of Aluminium is Potassium Hydroxide to from Potassium

Aluminate: Addition of small amount of dilute Sulphuric acid to form

Aluminium Hydroxide: Addition of excess of dilute Sulphuric acid and

heating it:

Now cooling the solution to get Potash Alum crystals:

Some important alum's equations are

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1.Clean a small piece of scrap aluminum with steel wool and cut it into very small picces.
Aluminium foil may be taken instead of scrap aluminum.
2. Put the small pieces of scrap aluminum or aluminum foil (about 1.00g) into conical flask and
add about 50ml of 4 M KOH solution to dissolve the aluminum. 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. Continue heating until all of the aluminum reacts. Filter the
solution to remove any insoluble impurities and reduce the volume to about 25 ml by heating.
3. Allow the filtrate to cool. Now add slowly 6 M H,SO, until insoluble Al(OH)3 just forms in the
solution.
4. Gently heat the mixture until the Al(OH), precipitate dissolves. Cool the resulting solution in
an ice-bath for about 30 minutes whereby alum crystals separate out. For better results the
solution may be left overnight for the crystallization to continue. In case the crystals do not
form the solution may be further concentrated and cooled again.
5. Filter the crystals from the solution using a vacuum pump, wash the crystals with 50/50
ethanol-water mixture. Continue applying the vacuum until the crystals appear dry.
6. Determine the mass of the alum crystals.

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•
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•
•

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The result analysis for potash alum preparation would involve analyzing the
purity. yield. and quality of the final product.
1. Purity: The purity of the potash alum can be determined by conducting
various tests such as elemental analysis, spectroscopy (UV-Visible), or
chromatography techniques. These tests will help determine the percentage
of impurities present in the final product.
2. Yield: The yield of potash alum refers to the amount of desired product
obtained from a given reaction or process. It is calculated by dividing the
actual mass of potash alum obtained by the theoretical mass that should have
been obtained based on stoichiometry. A high yield indicates an efficient
synthesis process.
3. Quality: The quality of potash alum can be assessed through various
physical and chemical properties such as crystal structure. color. solubility.
melting point, and pH value. Comparing these properties with standard
specifications will determine if the produced potash alum meets industry
standards.

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4. Impurities: Analysis should also include identification and quantification of
any impurities present in the final product. This could involve testing for heavy
metals. organic compounds. or other substances that may affect its intended
use.

5. Crystallization efficiency: Potash alum is typically prepared through a

crystallization process where impure solutions are allowed to cool and form
crystals. The efficiency of this process can be evaluated by examining crystal
size, shape, uniformity, and clarity.

6. Comparison with literature values: The results can be compared with

published literature values for similar preparations to ensure consistency
and accuracy in the experimental procedure.

Overall, a detailed result analysis for potash alum preparation involves evaluating
purity, yield, quality, presence of impurities, crystallization efficiency, and
comparison with literature values to assess the success of the synthesis process
and determine if it meets desired standards or requirements.

Several factors can influence the results obtained for potash alum preparation:

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1.Purity of starting materials: The quality and purity of the chemicals used, such
as potassium sulfate and aluminum sulfate, can affect the outcome. Impurities in
these chemicals may lead to variations in the properties and composition of the
resulting potash alum.
2.Stoichiometry: The stoichiometric ratio between the reactants determines the
theoretical yield of potash alum. If this ratio is not maintained during the reaction,
it can result in a lower than expected yield or other undesired products.

3.Reaction conditions: Factors such as temperature, pH, agitation, and reaction

time can all impact the formation of potash alum. Optimal conditions must be
maintained to ensure efficient conversion of reactants into desired product.
4. Contamination: Any contamination during the preparation process can alter the
chemical composition and physical properties of potash alum. This includes
impure glassware, presence of dust particles, or exposure to air contaminants.
5. Experimental technique: Variations in experimental techniques can also lead
to different results. Factors such as mixing efficiency, drying methods, and
filtration techniques can all influence the final product characteristics.

It is important to carefully follow established procedures, use high-quality reagents,

maintain proper reaction conditions, and minimize any potential sources of
contamination to achieve consistent and reliable results for potash alum
preparation.
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>Handle the glass wares safely.
>Allow the time required to set.
>Spray only required amount of water.
>Do not concentrate the solution too much.
>To get large crystals let the concentrated solution cool slowly and
remain undisturbed.
> Do not heat the solution of ferrous sulphate and ammonium
sulphate for a long time as it may oxidize ferrous ions to ferric ions.

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The above experiment concludes that, Potash alum of was prepared from
aluminum scrap. The product that we got from the experiment i.e. Potash
alum is the most important member of the generic class of compounds called
alums. It has the name
with chemical formula KAl(SO4)2. It is
commonly encountered as the dodecahydrate. KAl(SO4)2 . 12H2O. Potash alum is
a colorless, crystalline solid and has a sour taste. It crystallizes in an octahedral
structure in neutral solution and cubic structure in an alkali solution with space
group P a - 3 and lattice parameter of 12.18 Å. Potassium alum is commonly
used for paper making, water purification, in leather tanning, dyeing, fireproof
textiles, and baking powder (Soda Alum) as E number .
It also has cosmetic uses as a deodorant, as an aftershave treatment and as a
styptic for minor bleeding from shaving. Alums are double sulphates having
the general formula X2SO4. M2(S04)3. 24H20
Where,
Monovalent cation
Trivalent metal

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In conclusion, the potash alum experiment demonstrated the formation of
crystals through the process of crystallization. By dissolving potassium
aluminum sulfate (potash alum) in water and allowing it to cool slowly, we
observed the growth of large, well-de fined crystals. The crystals formed due to
the solute molecules coming together, arranging themselves in an orderly
manner, and solidifying into a crystal lattice structure.
The experiment also showed that temperature plays a crucial role in crystal
formation. As the solution cooled, the solubility of potash alum decreased,
causing excess solute molecules to come out of solution and form crystals. This
process is known as supersaturation. Furthermore, the appearance of different
colors and shapes within the crystals indicated impurities present in the potash
alum or variations in environmental conditions during crystal growth. These
impurities can affect crystal growth patterns and result in unique formations.
Overall, this experiment provided insight into the process of crystallization and
allowed us to observe firsthand how crystals form from a supersaturated
solution. It also highlighted the importance of controlling temperature and
purity when growing crystals.
Overall, this experiment provided insight into the process of crystallization and
allowed us to observe firsthand how crystals form from a supersaturated
solution. It also highlighted the importance of controlling temperature and
purity when growing crystals.

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Websites:
1)
https://www.icbse.com/projects/chemistry-project-on-prepapration-of-potash-
alum-on1
2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRDZoBk81FI
3)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taoKVTB6MLE
4)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potassium_alum

1) Laxmi Publications
Comprehensive
practical
Chemistry
2) Practical Chemistry Rachna Sagar
for class XII
3) NCERT Practical NCERT
for class XII
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