Kaliumalum

Kaliumalum is a common name for potassium aluminum sulfate, a double sulfate salt with the chemical formula KAl(SO4)2. It is also known as alum or burnt alum, though the latter term can also refer to the anhydrous form. Kaliumalum is a hydrated salt, typically existing as the dodecahydrate, KAl(SO4)2·12H2O. It appears as colorless crystals or a white powder and is soluble in water.

Historically, kaliumalum has been utilized for various purposes. It was used in dyeing as a mordant, helping to fix dyes to fabrics. In medicine, its astringent properties led to its use as a styptic to stop bleeding and in skincare. It has also found applications in water purification, acting as a flocculant to remove suspended particles. In food preparation, it can be used as a leavening agent in baking, though its use is regulated in many regions. The production of kaliumalum typically involves reacting aluminum sulfate with potassium sulfate. While the dodecahydrate is the most common form, anhydrous kaliumalum can be produced by heating the hydrated salt, which drives off the water molecules.