Question

Potash alum is a double salt having the chemical formula ${\mathrm{K}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4.{\mathrm{Al}}_2{\left({\mathrm{SO}}_4\right)}_3.24{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$ It dissolves in water to form a clear solution.

Will Potash alum be wet in its solid state due to the presence of water of crystallization in large numbers?

Answer 1

Double salt:

• Double salts are the salts that are formed by using two or more simple salts.
• Potash alum(${\mathrm{K}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4.{\mathrm{Al}}_2{\left({\mathrm{SO}}_4\right)}_3.24{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$) is a double salt. Basically, it is comprised of two simple salts Potassium sulphate (${\mathrm{K}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$) and Aluminium sulphate (${\mathrm{Al}}_2{\left({\mathrm{SO}}_4\right)}_3$).
• Potash alum will not be wet in its solid form because the water of crystallization is not free.
• Therefore, the salt will be completely dry in its solid-state.