Aluminium oxide
Aluminium oxide (Al2O3, CAS 1344-28-1), commonly called alumina, is a white, very hard and chemically stable inorganic solid. Laboratories use it as a chromatography adsorbent and desiccant, and industry uses it as a catalyst support, abrasive and ceramic material. It is supplied in several crystalline phases and purity grades, so the phase, particle size and activity level matter when specifying it for purchase.
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Aluminium Oxide
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What is aluminium oxide?
Aluminium oxide is an inorganic compound with the formula Al2O3 and a molar mass of about 101.96 g/mol. Its most stable crystalline form is α-alumina, which occurs naturally as the mineral corundum. Corundum has a Mohs hardness of 9 and a melting point above 2,000 °C. Transitional phases such as γ-alumina have a much higher surface area and are widely used as adsorbents and catalyst supports. Aluminium oxide is amphoteric, meaning it can react with both strong acids and strong bases.
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How is it used in the laboratory and in industry?
In the laboratory, alumina is a common stationary phase for column and thin-layer chromatography. It is sold in acidic, neutral and basic forms and in different activity grades, often expressed on the Brockmann scale (I–V) according to water content. Activated alumina is also used as a desiccant and as an adsorbent for purifying solvents. Industrial uses include:
- abrasives and polishing media
- technical ceramics and refractories
- catalyst supports
- feedstock for aluminium metal production
What should buyers check when specifying it?
Procurement specifications should state:
- the crystalline phase (for example α or γ)
- purity (for example reagent, ACS or high-purity grades)
- particle size or mesh range
- specific surface area
- pH type and activity grade for chromatography media
Request a CoA confirming trace metal content and loss on ignition where relevant. Consult the supplier's SDS for hazard classification under GHS and for handling advice, particularly for fine powders where dust exposure is a concern. Regulatory status should be confirmed for the intended market (for example REACH registration in the EU/UK or TSCA listing in the US).
Related concepts
Aluminium hydroxide is the usual precursor to alumina. Silica gel is the main alternative chromatography adsorbent. Corundum, sapphire and ruby are crystalline forms of α-alumina, with ruby coloured by chromium impurities. Zeolites and other metal oxides are also used as adsorbents and catalyst supports.
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