Aluminium Phosphate
Aluminium phosphate, also known as aluminum orthophosphate, is a chemical compound with the formula AlPO4. It is a white crystalline solid that is insoluble in water and most organic solvents.
Aluminium phosphate has a tetrahedral structure, with one aluminium atom surrounded by four phosphate groups. The compound can be synthesized using a variety of methods, such as precipitation from a solution containing aluminum sulfate and sodium phosphate, or by reacting aluminum hydroxide with phosphoric acid.
Aluminium phosphate finds a variety of applications due to its excellent thermal stability and resistance to acids and alkalis. For example, it is used as a catalyst in the production of gasoline and other chemicals, as a flame retardant in plastics and textiles, and as an additive in animal feed.
In medicine, aluminium phosphate is used as an adjuvant in some vaccines to enhance the immune response. It works by stimulating the body's immune system to produce a stronger response to the vaccine.
Although aluminium phosphate is generally considered safe for use in these applications, exposure to high levels of the compound can have harmful effects on human health, particularly on the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Therefore, proper safety measures must be taken during handling and transportation of the compound.