Al(H2O)63+

Definition

Al(H2O)63+ is the hexaaquaaluminum(III) ion, a complex ion formed when aluminum (Al3+) ions are surrounded by six water molecules in an octahedral arrangement. This complex ion is an important species in the context of hydrolysis of salts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Al(H2O)63+ complex ion is the predominant species of aluminum in aqueous solutions, as aluminum readily forms complexes with water molecules.
2. The six water molecules in the complex are arranged in an octahedral geometry around the central aluminum(III) ion (Al3+).
3. The presence of the Al(H2O)63+ complex ion influences the hydrolysis behavior of aluminum salts in aqueous solutions.
4. Hydrolysis of aluminum salts can lead to the formation of various aluminum-containing species, including Al(OH)3 and Al(OH)4-, depending on the pH of the solution.
5. The hydrolysis of aluminum salts is an important process in water treatment, where aluminum coagulants are used to remove impurities from water.

Review Questions

• Explain the structure and bonding in the Al(H2O)63+ complex ion.
  • The Al(H2O)63+ complex ion consists of an aluminum(III) ion (Al3+) at the center, surrounded by six water molecules (H2O) in an octahedral arrangement. The aluminum ion forms coordinate covalent bonds with the oxygen atoms of the water molecules, creating a stable complex. This octahedral coordination geometry is a result of the aluminum ion's desire to achieve a stable electronic configuration by maximizing the number of bonds it can form with the surrounding water molecules.
• Describe the role of the Al(H2O)63+ complex ion in the hydrolysis of aluminum salts.
  • The Al(H2O)63+ complex ion is the predominant species of aluminum in aqueous solutions, and its presence influences the hydrolysis behavior of aluminum salts. When aluminum salts dissolve in water, the Al(H2O)63+ complex can undergo hydrolysis, where the water molecules can be progressively replaced by hydroxide ions (OH-), forming various aluminum-containing species such as Al(OH)3 and Al(OH)4-. The specific species formed depends on the pH of the solution, and this hydrolysis process is crucial in water treatment applications where aluminum coagulants are used to remove impurities.
• Evaluate the significance of the Al(H2O)63+ complex ion in the context of the hydrolysis of salts and its practical applications.
  • The Al(H2O)63+ complex ion is a central species in the hydrolysis of aluminum salts, which is an important process in various applications. The formation and behavior of this complex ion determine the specific aluminum-containing species that will be present in aqueous solutions, which in turn affects the pH, charge, and solubility of the system. This knowledge is crucial in understanding and controlling the hydrolysis of aluminum salts, particularly in water treatment processes where aluminum coagulants are used to remove impurities. The ability to manipulate the hydrolysis of aluminum salts through the Al(H2O)63+ complex ion is a valuable tool in environmental chemistry and water purification technologies.

Related terms

Hydrolysis:

The chemical process in which a molecule is cleaved into two or more smaller molecules by the addition of water.

Octahedral Coordination: A molecular geometry in which a central atom is surrounded by six atoms or ligands in an octahedral arrangement.

Aluminum Salts: Ionic compounds containing the aluminum cation (Al3+) and various anions, such as chloride, sulfate, or nitrate.