Aluminum Sulfate Formula

Aluminum sulfate is a chemical compound with the formula Al2(SO4)3. It is also known as alum, papermaker's alum, or dialuminum trisulfate.

The formula describes the composition of aluminum sulfate, which contains two aluminum ions (Al3+) and three sulfate ions (SO42-). The subscript 2 after the aluminum symbol indicates that there are two aluminum ions present in the compound, while the subscript 3 after the sulfate symbol indicates that there are three sulfate ions.

The aluminum ion has a charge of +3, meaning it has lost three electrons, while the sulfate ion has a charge of -2, meaning it has gained two electrons. This combination of ions results in a neutral compound, as the total positive charge from the aluminum ions (+6) is balanced out by the total negative charge from the sulfate ions (-6).

Aluminum sulfate is commonly used as a coagulating agent in water treatment, as a mordant in dyeing and printing textiles, and in the paper industry to improve the strength and brightness of paper.