Aluminium carbonate

Names
Other names Aluminum carbonate
Identifiers
CAS Number	14455-29-9
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	10606614 Y
ECHA InfoCard	100.034.930
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID40201756
InChI InChI=1S/CH2O3.Al/c2-1(3)4;/h(H2,2,3,4);/q;+3/p-2 Y Key: BLBTYSAROMXPSY-UHFFFAOYSA-L Y InChI=1/CH2O3.Al/c2-1(3)4;/h(H2,2,3,4);/q;+3/p-2 Key: BLBTYSAROMXPSY-NUQVWONBAU
SMILES [Al+3].[O-]C([O-])=O
Properties
Chemical formula	C3Al2O9
Molar mass	233.987 g·mol−1
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Y verify (what is YN ?) Infobox references

Aluminium carbonate (Al₂(CO₃)₃), is a carbonate of aluminium. It is a component of the mineral strontiodesserite.^[1]

Aluminium carbonate is an unstable compound, decomposing to aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) and carbon dioxide (CO₂):

Al₂(CO₃)₃ + 3 H₂O → 2 Al(OH)₃ + 3 CO₂

It is formed in the reaction between an aluminium compound, such as aluminium sulfate (Al₂(SO₄)₃), and sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃):

Al₂(SO₄)₃ + 3 Na₂CO₃ → Al₂(CO₃)₃ + 3 Na₂SO₄

But it easily decomposes into aluminium hydroxide and carbon dioxide. Some foam fire extinguishers use this reaction.

References