How does aluminum give aluminate ion in basic solution?

1 Answer
anor277
Apr 25, 2017

#"Aluminate"# can be produced by oxidation of #"aluminum metal......."#

Explanation:

#Al(s) + 4HO^(-) rarr Al(OH)_4^(-) + 3e^-# #(i)#

And if aluminum is oxidized, the only species that can be reduced is water to give dihydrogen gas:

#H_2O + e^(-) rarr 1/2H_2(g) + HO^-# #(ii)#

And so we add #(i) +3xx(ii)# and gets..........

#Al(s) +3H_2O(l) + HO^(-) rarr Al(OH)_4^(-) + 3/2H_2(g)uarr#

Aluminum is an amphoteric metal. Use of acid would result in a similar oxidation.

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