Ammonium aluminium sulfate, also known as ammonium alum or just alum, is a white crystalline double sulfate usually encountered as the dodecahydrate.

Ammonium Alum, Aluminum Ammonium Sulfate, Aluminium Ammonium Sulphate SDS MSDS Sheet, Material Safety Data Sheet

1. Product Identification

Synonyms: Aluminum ammonium disulfate dodecahydrate; Aluminum ammonium disulfate, 12-hydrate; Ammonium alum; sulfuric acid aluminum ammonium salt (2:1:1), dodecahydrate
CAS No.: 7784-25-0 (Anhydrous) 7784-26-1 (Dodecahydrate)
EINECS EC Number: 232-0555-3
Molecular Weight: 453.32 (Dodecahydrate)
Chemical Formula: AlNH4(SO4)2 . 12H2O
Recommended usage: Industrial Manufacturing.

2. Hazards Identification

GHS, Globally Harmonized System Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910
Classification according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008

Skin corrosion/irritation Category 2
Serious eye damage/eye irritation Category 2A
Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation Category 3

Labelling according to GHS and Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008

GHS Label Elements Irritant

Signal Words: Warning
Hazard statements:
H315: Causes skin irritation.
H319: Causes serious eye irritation.
H335: May cause respiratory irritation.

Precautionary statements:
P264: Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P362: Take off contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
P332+313: If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P302+ P352 - IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water.
P305+ P351 + P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
P337+P313 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/ attention.
P501: Dispose of contents/container to authorised agents only.

Labelling in accordance with Directive 67/548/EEC:
Symbols: Xi Irritant
R36/37/38 Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin
R43 May cause sensitisation by skin contact
For the full text of the H-statements & R-phrases mentioned in this Section, see Section 16.

3. Composition/Information on Ingredients

Ingredient: Sulfuric Acid, Aluminum Ammonium Salt (2:1:1) or Aluminum Ammonium Sulfate or Ammonium Alum
CAS No.: 7784-25-0
EINECS EC Number: 232-0555-3
Percent: 98 - 100%

4. First Aid Measures

Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention.
Ingestion: If swallowed, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Give large quantities of water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin Contact: Wipe off excess material from skin then immediately flush skin with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Get medical attention. Wash clothing before reuse. Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse.
Eye Contact: Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Cold water may be used. WARM water MUST be used. Get medical attention.

5. Fire Fighting Measures

Flammability of the Product:  Aluminum Ammonium Sulfate or Ammonium Alum Non-flammable.
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not applicable.
Products of Combustion: Not available.
Fire Extinguishing Media: Water spray, dry chemical, alcohol foam, or carbon dioxide.
Special Information: In the event of a fire, wear full protective clothing and NIOSH-approved self-contained breathing apparatus with full face piece operated in the pressure demand or other positive pressure mode.

6. Accidental Release Measures

Cover spill with soda ash and mix. Ventilate area of leak or spill. Keep unnecessary and unprotected people away from area of spill. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Pick up and place spills in a suitable container for reclamation or disposal, using a method that does not generate dust.

7. Handling and Storage

Keep Ammonium Alum in a tightly closed container, stored in a cool, dry, ventilated area. Protect against physical damage. Isolate from incompatible substances. Containers of  material may be hazardous when empty since they retain product residues (dust, solids); observe all warnings and precautions listed for the product.,br>

8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Airborne Exposure Limits:
-OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL):
(Vacated) TWA: 2 mg/m3
Ventilation System: A system of local and/or general exhaust is recommended to keep employee exposures below the Airborne Exposure Limits. Local exhaust ventilation is generally preferred because it can control the emissions of the contaminant at its source, preventing dispersion of it into the general work area. Please refer to the ACGIH document, Industrial Ventilation, A Manual of Recommended Practices, most recent edition, for details.
Personal Respirators (NIOSH Approved): If the exposure limit of Aluminum Ammonium Sulfate or Ammonium Alum is exceeded, a half-face dust/mist respirator may be worn for up to ten times the exposure limit or the maximum use concentration specified by the appropriate regulatory agency or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. A full-face piece dust/mist respirator may be worn up to 50 times the exposure limit, or the maximum use concentration specified by the appropriate regulatory agency, or respirator supplier, whichever is lowest. For emergencies or instances where the exposure levels are not known, use a full-face piece positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator. WARNING: Air-purifying respirators do not protect workers in oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
Skin Protection: Wear impervious protective clothing, including boots, gloves, lab coat, apron or coveralls, as appropriate, to prevent skin contact.
Eye Protection: Use chemical safety goggles and/or full face shield where dusting or splashing of solutions is possible. Maintain eye wash fountain and quick-drench facilities in work area.

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance: Aluminum Ammonium Sulfate or Ammonium Alum is colorless crystals.
Odor: Odorless.
Solubility: 14% in water, 200% in boiling water
Density: 1.65
pH: 4.6 (0.05M solution)
% Volatile by volume @ 21C (70F): 0
Boiling Point: 280C (536F) Decomposes.
Melting Point: 94.5C (201F)

10. Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Ammonium Alum is stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Toxic oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, ammonia, and sulfur trioxide may form at elevated temperatures. Hydrolyzes to form sulfuric acid.
Hazardous Polymerization: Will not occur.
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents. Contact with alkalis may release ammonia gas. Corrosive to metals in the presence of water.
Conditions to Avoid: Moisture heat and incompatibles.

11. Toxicological Information

ORL-RAT LD50: 10.8 g/kg.
Carcinogenic Effects: Not a reported carcinogen by IARC, NTP, ACGIH, OSHA.

12. Ecological Information

Environmental Toxicity: No information found.
Products of Biodegradation: Possibly hazardous short term degradation products are not likely. However, long term degradation products may arise. Soluble in water Persistence is unlikely based on information available.

13. Disposal Considerations

Whatever cannot be saved for recovery or recycling should be managed in an appropriate and approved waste disposal facility. Processing, use or contamination of this product may change the waste management options. State and local disposal regulations may differ from federal disposal regulations. Dispose of Aluminum Ammonium Sulfate or Ammonium Alum container and unused contents in accordance with federal, state and local requirements.

14. Transport Information

DOT: Not regulated
TDG: Not regulated
IATA: Not regulated
IMDG/IMO: Not regulated
ADR/RID: Not regulated

15. Regulatory Information

USA:
Chemical Weapons Convention:  No; TSCA 12(b):  No; CDTA:  No
SARA 311/312:  Acute: Yes; Chronic: No; Fire: No; Pressure: No
Reactivity: No (Pure / Solid)

WHMIS (Canada): Not controlled under WHMIS (Canada).

16. Other Information

EINECS EC Number:232-0555-3
H315: Causes skin irritation.
H319: Causes serious eye irritation.
H335: May cause respiratory irritation.
Xi Irritant
R36/37/38 Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin
R43 May cause sensitisation by skin contact

DISCLAIMER: The information and recommendations set forth herein (hereinafter "Information") are presented in good faith and believed correct as of the date hereof. It is compiled from various sources and it is not necessarily all inclusive nor fully adequate in every circumstance. In addition, these suggestions should not be confused with nor followed in violation of applicable laws, regulations, rules or insurance requirements applicable. This SDS sheet is intended only as a guide to the appropriate precautionary handling of the material by a properly trained person using this product. Individuals receiving the information must exercise their independent judgment in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose.