Al2O3nH2O
Al2O3nH2O is a general way to denote hydrated forms of aluminum oxide, consisting of aluminum oxide with water molecules incorporated into the solid structure or present as hydroxyl groups. The exact composition varies with preparation method and conditions, so the value of n can range from zero (anhydrous Al2O3) to several depending on the hydration level. As a result, Al2O3nH2O represents a family of aluminum oxide hydrates rather than a single fixed compound.
Several well-known hydrated aluminum oxides are described by this family. Boehmite, with the formula AlO(OH), and
Properties and transformations of Al2O3nH2O depend on temperature, pH, and history of processing. Upon heating (calcination),
Overall, Al2O3nH2O describes a versatile family of aluminum oxide hydrates with widespread industrial relevance as precursors