Two series of alpha-Al2O3 seeded hydrous aluminas, unwashed (containin
g (NH4)2NO3) and washed. were examined by XPS and NMR after heat treat
ment. The unwashed material, which transforms to alpha-Al2O3 at 950-de
grees-C, contained less AlO4 at all treatment temperatures up to the a
lpha-Al2O3 transition than the washed material; an explanation is give
n.