Aluminum cation (Al³⁺)

Aluminum cation Overview

The **aluminum cation** (Al³⁺) is the trivalent, positively charged ion formed when a neutral aluminum atom loses its three outermost electrons, resulting in the electron configuration of [Ne] 1s² 2s² 2p⁶, which is stable and confers high Lewis acidity[1][3]. In aqueous environments, it most commonly exists as the hydrated complex [Al(H₂O)₆]³⁺[1][4]. Aluminum cations play a role in the environment and biological systems primarily through chemical reactivity, such as forming stable complexes with ligands like citrate and proteins (e.g., transferrin)[4][8]. There is evidence that aluminum cations may be involved in the compaction of biomolecules, specifically chromatin, and may thus have an indirect role in epigenetics[2]. However, they are not classified as *therapeutic targets*—they are not receptors, enzymes, ion channels, or transporters as typically recognized in pharmacological research and drug development. Instead, aluminum cations are generally considered environmental or toxic metal ions, with no direct physiological targets or endogenous biological receptors[2][4]. Their accumulation and neurotoxicity in humans have raised concerns regarding possible contributions to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease[7]. Summary of correctness: The entry "Aluminum cation" is **not** a therapeutic target in the usual biomedical sense and is therefore flagged as incorrect for standard pharmacological target lists. It is a metal ion, not a biologically regulated protein or molecular target amenable to conventional drug interaction. While it binds biological molecules and may be involved in pathological or environmental processes, it does not meet the criteria of a receptor, enzyme, transporter, etc.

Mechanism of Action

Biological Functions

Safety Considerations