Al2SO4318H2O

Al2SO4318H2O refers to a specific hydrated form of aluminum sulfate. Aluminum sulfate is an inorganic salt with the chemical formula Al2(SO4)3. When it crystallizes from aqueous solutions, it often incorporates water molecules into its structure, forming hydrates. The designation "18H2O" indicates that for every formula unit of aluminum sulfate, there are 18 molecules of water associated with it.

This particular hydrate, aluminum sulfate octadecahydrate, is a crystalline solid. While aluminum sulfate is commonly encountered as the hexadecahydrate (Al2(SO4)3·16H2O), other hydration states are possible depending on the conditions of crystallization. The properties, such as solubility and melting point, will vary between different hydrates. Aluminum sulfate itself is widely used in water purification, as a mordant in dyeing, and in paper manufacturing. Its hydrated forms are often handled and stored, with the water content influencing their physical characteristics. Precise information on the stability and specific properties of Al2SO4318H2O would require consulting specialized chemical databases or literature.