UNSPSC 51241304: Ammonium alum

This classification denotes an alum compound with the molecular formula Al.2O4S.12H2O.H4N, a preparation that US FDA regulates as an active ingredient or moiety under Unique Ingredient Identifier 5C36DRL9ZN, chemically known as vanadium sulfate, vso4 but generally known as ammonium alum, which bears US NIH Compound Identifier 1118. As of Q4 2014, AMMONIUM ALUM remains the US FDA Preferred Term for this commodity. SMILES: [NH4+].[O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-].[O-]S(=O)(=O)[O-].[AL+3].

UNSPSC 51241304 Ammonium alum (Commodity) represents a narrow chemical input consumed primarily in water treatment and laboratory operations. State and local governments soliciting under this code purchase ammonium alum and closely related chemical precipitants as part of broader water treatment chemical packages, laboratory reagents, and analytical supplies. The issuing bodies include water utilities (City of Meriden, City of Tampa's water treatment facility, City of Palm Bay), state agencies (State of California, District of Columbia Department of Finance and Services, District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences), universities (Texas A&M University), and county law enforcement (Harris County Sheriff's Office). The work solicited ranges from direct chemical procurement for municipal water treatment to laboratory consumables in forensic and environmental testing contexts. Water utilities dominate the visible activity, purchasing ammonium alum as one line item within ITBs for multi-chemical treatment supply contracts that include caustic soda, sodium permanganate, sodium fluoride, and related compounds.

Recent activity concentrates in Texas, California, Connecticut, Florida, and the District of Columbia. The City of Meriden ITB B026-55 (due June 25, 2026) solicited water treatment chemicals including multiple line items with NSF and AWWA compliance and Build America Buy America Act mandates, with one-year contract terms and lowest-responsible-bidder award with Connecticut vendor preference. Texas A&M University ITB TAMU-ITB-26-5055 (due July 15, 2026) sought precipitant solutions through its AggieBid platform. The State of California RFB 26200684 (due April 15, 2026) solicited pharmaceutical-grade alcohol and related lab consumables with CBE set-aside consideration. Activity in this code lags compared to broader chemical procurement families; many of the recent state and local solicitations tagged to this commodity focus on narrower laboratory or water chemistry line items rather than standalone ammonium alum purchases, reflecting its role as a component of larger multi-chemical contracts or specialized forensic and environmental testing supplies.