What is the chemical formula of Alum commonly used to stop bleeding?

CONCEPT:

Alum and Its Chemical Formula

• Alum is a chemical compound that is commonly used as an astringent to stop bleeding from minor cuts or abrasions.
• It is a double sulfate of potassium and aluminum, and its chemical formula is KAl(SO₄)₂ · 12H₂O.
• The term "alum" typically refers to potassium alum, which is the most commonly used form of alum.

EXPLANATION:

• The chemical formula of potassium alum is:

  KAl(SO₄)₂ · 12H₂O

• This formula indicates that potassium alum consists of:
  • One potassium (K) ion
  • One aluminum (Al) ion
  • Two sulfate (SO₄) ions
  • 12 molecules of water of crystallization (12H₂O)
• Potassium alum is used in first aid because of its ability to constrict blood vessels and coagulate proteins, which helps in stopping bleeding.

Therefore, the chemical formula of alum commonly used to stop bleeding is KAl(SO₄)₂ · 12H₂O.