Alum

Alum
1	Formula ----------------------- Molecular Weight	( Potash alum )                                                                           ( Ammonia alum ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 474.4
2	Synonym
3	Physical Property	Physical state Transparent crystals , white granules or powder . Colour Colourless Odour Odourless Taste Styptic . Solubility Soluble in water ( 1 in 7 ) , freely soluble in glycerol , practically insoluble in alcohol .
4	Chemical Property
5	Incompatibility	Incompatible with alkali hydroxides , borax and carbonates , salts of calcium , lead and mercury tannins , phenols and salicylates
6	Uses	i)                    It is a ppowerful topical astringent . ii)                   It is used as a haemostatic agent iii)                 It is used as mouth washes and gargles and also as bladder irrigations .
7	Side Effect	Large doses of alum are irritant and may be corrosive .
8	Storage	It is kept in a well closed container .