Aluminium acetotartrate (or ALSOL) is an organic acid

Organic acid

An organic acid is an organic compound with acidic properties. The most common organic acids are the carboxylic acids, whose acidity is associated with their carboxyl group –COOH. Sulfonic acids, containing the group –SO2OH, are relatively stronger acids. The relative stability of the conjugate...

, astringent

Astringent

An astringent substance is a chemical compound that tends to shrink or constrict body tissues, usually locally after topical medicinal application. The word "astringent" derives from Latin adstringere, meaning "to bind fast"...

, and disinfectant. It is the aluminium salt of acetic acid

Acetic acid

Acetic acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH3CO2H . It is a colourless liquid that when undiluted is also called glacial acetic acid. Acetic acid is the main component of vinegar , and has a distinctive sour taste and pungent smell...

 and tartaric acid

Tartaric acid

Tartaric acid is a white crystalline diprotic organic acid. It occurs naturally in many plants, particularly grapes, bananas, and tamarinds; is commonly combined with baking soda to function as a leavening agent in recipes, and is one of the main acids found in wine. It is added to other foods to...

.

Appearance

Aluminium acetotartrate occurs as colorless or yellowish crystals, freely but exceedingly slowly soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol and ether.

Applications

Aluminium acetotartrate is employed in 0.5-2% solutions as a nasal douche in affections of the respiratory tract

Respiratory tract

In humans the respiratory tract is the part of the anatomy involved with the process of respiration.The respiratory tract is divided into 3 segments:*Upper respiratory tract: nose and nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, and throat or pharynx...

, in 1-3% solutions as a substitute for solution of aluminium acetate

Aluminium acetate

Aluminium acetates are the aluminium salts of acetic acid. Three such salts exist:* neutral Aluminium triacetate, Al3* basic Aluminium diacetate, HOAl2* basic Aluminium monoacetate, 2AlC2H3O2-Synthesis:...

, in concentrated solution as a lotion

Lotion

A lotion is a low- to medium-viscosity, topical preparation intended for application to unbroken skin. By contrast, creams and gels have higher viscosity.Lotions are usually applied to external skin with bare hands, a clean cloth, cotton wool or gauze...

 in frostbite

Frostbite

Frostbite is the medical condition where localized damage is caused to skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. Frostbite is most likely to happen in body parts farthest from the heart and those with large exposed areas...

 and balanitis

Balanitis

Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis . When the foreskin is also affected, it is termed balanoposthitis....

, and as a snuff with boric acid

Boric acid

Boric acid, also called hydrogen borate or boracic acid or orthoboric acid or acidum boricum, is a weak acid of boron often used as an antiseptic, insecticide, flame retardant, as a neutron absorber, and as a precursor of other chemical compounds. It exists in the form of colorless crystals or a...

 in atrophic rhinitis

Atrophic rhinitis

Chronic atrophic rhinitis is a chronic inflammation of nose characterised by atrophy of nasal mucosa, including the glands, turbinate bones and the nerve elements supplying the nose. Chronic atrophic rhinitis may be primary and secondary...

. It is also used as an antiseptic vulnerary ointment cream.