Aluminum

Location:  Group 13, Period 3
Atomic Weight:  26.98154
Coordination Number:  6
Chemical Form in Solution:  Al(H₂O)₆⁺³

Storage & Handling:  Keep tightly sealed when not in use. Store and use at 20 ± 4°C. Do not pipet from container. Do not return portions removed for pipetting to container.

Chemical Compatibility:  Soluble in HCl, HNO₃, HF and H₂SO₄. Avoid neutral media. Soluble in strongly basic NaOH forming the Al(OH)₄(H₂O)₂^1- species. Stable with most metals and inorganic anions. The phosphate is insoluble in water and only slightly soluble in acid.

Stability:  2-100 ppb levels stable for months in 1% HNO₃ / LDPE container. 1-10,000 ppm solutions chemically stable for years in 2-5% HNO₃ / LDPE container.

Al Containing Samples (Preparation & Solution):  Metal (is best dissolved in HCl/ HNO₃); α - Al₂O₃ (Na₂CO₃ fusion in Pt⁰); γ - Al₂O₃ (soluble in acids such as HCl); Ores (carbonate fusion in Pt⁰ followed by HCl dissolution); Organic Matrices (Sulphuric / peroxide digestion or nitric / Sulphuric / perchloric acid decomposition, or dry ash and dissolution in dilute HCl.