The synthesis of alum proceeds in several reaction steps. The mole ratios of reactants and
products can be found by combining the written equations for these separate reactions into an
overall equation. Balance the overall equation for the synthesis of alum, KAl(SO4)2 · 12 H2O,
from aluminum, potassium hydroxide, sulfuric acid and water. HINT: Add together the four
equations given in the introduction, canceling out any molecules or formula units that appear
on both sides.