Aluminium acetotartrate (or ALSOL) is an organic acid, astringent, and disinfectant. It is the aluminium salt of acetic acid and tartaric acid. It is a complex compound formed from aluminium, acetic acid, and tartaric acid. Known for its astringent and antiseptic properties, it has historically been used in topical pharmaceutical preparations, particularly for treating skin conditions such as eczema, excessive sweating, and minor infections.
The compound combines the aluminum ion’s protein-precipitating ability with the buffering and chelating effects of the organic acids, making it a versatile agent in dermatology and cosmetology. Despite its reduced use in modern medicine due to the availability of more advanced treatments, aluminium acetotartrate remains of interest for its unique chemical properties and historical relevance in pharmaceutical science.
Appearance
Aluminium acetotartrate occurs as colorless or yellowish crystals, freely but exceedingly slowly soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol and ether.
Property
- Appearance: White/off-white crystalline
- Melting point: Decomposes before melting
- Solubility in water: High (especially warm)
- Odor: Odorless
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions; decomposes upon strong heating.
- pH: Slightly acidic aqueous solution.
Occurrence and Preparation
Not naturally occurring; it is a synthetic compound.
Prepared by reacting:
- Aluminium salts (e.g., aluminium sulfate or aluminium hydroxide)
- with tartaric acid and acetic acid (or sodium acetate)
The preparation requires pH control and specific temperature ranges to ensure complex formation.
Safety and Handling
- Low toxicity in small amounts (topical use), but not recommended for ingestion.
- Skin irritation: Rare but possible with prolonged use.
- Avoid inhalation of dust during manufacturing or compounding.
Applications
Aluminium acetotartrate is employed in 0.5–2% solutions as a nasal douche in affections of the respiratory tract, in 1–3% solutions as a substitute for solution of aluminium acetate, in concentrated solution as a lotion in frostbite and balanitis, and as a snuff with boric acid in atrophic rhinitis. It is also used as an antiseptic vulnerary ointment cream.
- Topical astringent: Used in dermatological and cosmetic products to reduce skin inflammation.
- Antiperspirant: Its aluminium content makes it effective in reducing perspiration.
- Antiseptic: Applied in lotions and creams to reduce microbial growth.
- Pharmaceutical additive: Sometimes used in wound care formulations.
