Sodium Aluminate
Sodium aluminate is a chemical compound with the formula NaAlO2. It is an ionic compound consisting of sodium cations (Na+) and aluminate anions (AlO2−), in which aluminum is in the +3 oxidation state.
Sodium aluminate is prepared by dissolving aluminum hydroxide in a solution of sodium hydroxide. The resulting solution contains sodium aluminate along with excess sodium hydroxide.
Sodium aluminate is used in various industrial processes, including water treatment, papermaking, and the production of zeolites. It is also used as a source of alumina in the manufacture of other chemicals and materials.
One important property of sodium aluminate is its strong alkalinity, which makes it hazardous to handle without proper safety precautions. It can cause severe burns and eye damage upon contact with skin or eyes. Therefore, appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when working with this substance.