Preparation of boehmite of fine particle size (< 6 mu) was attempted by three different routes. Flash calcination of gibbsite at about 325 degrees C for 2h gave the desired material. However, the other two methods, dehydration of pseudoboehmite (at 110 degrees C) and hydrothermal neutralisation of aluminate with acid gave boehmite of larger particle size (11 and 17 mu, D-50).