Aluminium diacetate, also known as basic aluminium acetate, is a white powder with the chemical formula C4H7AlO5. It is one of a number of aluminium acetates and can be prepared in a reaction of sodium aluminate (NaAlO2) with acetic acid. It is derived from aluminum and acetic acid. This compound is often used in certain medical and cosmetic applications.
Properties
- Appearance: It is usually found as a white or off-white powder.
- Solubility: It is sparingly soluble in water.
- Acidity: It is an acidic salt, and the presence of acetate ions imparts some acidity to its solutions.
- pH: Solutions are typically acidic, with a pH below 7.
- Antibacterial Properties: It has some antibacterial properties, which make it useful in certain dermatological applications.
- Stability: It is generally stable under normal conditions, but like many aluminum compounds, it may undergo hydrolysis in water.
Applications
One common use of aluminum diacetate is in the preparation of a solution called “Burow’s solution,” which is a mild astringent and antiseptic. Burow’s solution is used topically to alleviate various skin conditions, such as dermatitis and fungal infections. The astringent properties of aluminum diacetate help to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin.
Medicinal use: It has antiseptic and astringent properties. It is applied topically as a wet dressing, compress, or soak for self-medication to temporarily relieve itching and soothe lesions that are wet or weeping. It soothes skin irritation caused by a variety of factors, including insect bites, athlete’s foot, urushiol-induced contact dermatitis from plants that are toxic to the touch, such as poison ivy, oak, or sumac, and skin irritation caused by sensitivity to soaps, detergents, cosmetics, or jewelry.
It is also used to treat bruise swelling. Topically, preparations are used to treat a variety of skin conditions such as eczema, diaper rash, acne, and pruritus ani. It is commonly used in the form of Burow’s solution, which contains 13% AlAc in water. In the United States, aluminum acetate medications are marketed under the brand names Domeboro Powder, Gordon’s Boro-Packs, and Pedi-Boro Soak Paks. It is available as a gel under the brand name TriCalm.
Safety Considerations
While aluminum diacetate has applications in medicine and industry, it’s important to handle it with care and follow safety guidelines. Prolonged or excessive exposure to aluminum compounds can have health implications.
