What is the Difference Between Aluminum Sulfate and Ammonium Sulfate?

The main difference between aluminum sulfate and ammonium sulfate lies in their chemical composition and the type of compound they are:

• Aluminum Sulfate: This is a metallic salt with the chemical formula Al2(SO4)3. It is formed when aluminum hydroxide or aluminum metal reacts with sulfuric acid. Aluminum sulfate is a white crystalline solid that is extremely hygroscopic.
• Ammonium Sulfate: This is an inorganic salt with the chemical formula (NH4)2SO4. It can be synthesized by reacting ammonia with sulfuric acid. Ammonium sulfate is also possesses a white crystalline appearance and is soluble in hot water.

Key differences between the two compounds include:

1. Chemical Composition: Aluminum sulfate is a metallic salt with a chemical formula of Al2(SO4)3, while ammonium sulfate is an inorganic salt with a chemical formula of (NH4)2SO4.
2. Type of Compound: Aluminum sulfate is a metallic salt with an Al(III) cation, while ammonium sulfate is an inorganic salt with an ammonium anion.
3. Hydrates: When water is bound to aluminum sulfate, various hydrates are formed, including octadecahydrate and hexadecahydrate (18 and 16 water molecules, respectively).

Both compounds have various industrial applications, such as water treatment, pH adjustment, and fertilizer production. However, ammonium sulfate is more effective at acidity adjustments than aluminum sulfate.

Comparative Table: Aluminum Sulfate vs Ammonium Sulfate

The main difference between aluminum sulfate and ammonium sulfate is that aluminum sulfate is a metal salt, whereas ammonium sulfate is an inorganic salt. Here is a comparison table highlighting their differences:

Aluminum sulfate is a white crystalline solid with a strong affinity for water and can be used in water treatment, plant nutrients, and as a pH control agent. Ammonium sulfate, on the other hand, is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and ethanol, and can be used as a plant nutrient, fire retardant in foam, hair coloring, and as a food additive.