What is Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3)?
Al2O3 is a chemical reagent with the inorganic name Aluminium oxide. Additionally, it is known as Alpha-Alumina, alumina, alundum, or aloxide.
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It occurs as corundum, Ruby, sapphires, and emeralds in nature. This chemical is amphoteric, meaning it reacts with both acids and bases. It is solid and looks to be white. It is odourless and water-insoluble. The most prevalent form of this chemical is crystalline-aluminium oxide, often known as corundum. As a result of its hardness, is commonly employed as an abrasive and in cutting tools.
Aluminium oxide Structure (Al2O3 Structure)
Properties of Aluminium oxide – Al2O3
| l2O3 | Aluminium oxide |
| Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass | 101.96 g/mol |
| Density | 3.95 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point | 2,977 °C |
| Melting Point | 2,072 °C |
Chemical Properties of Aluminium Oxide
1. Reaction with sodium hydroxide
The reaction between aluminium oxide and sodium hydroxide produces sodium aluminate and water. This process takes place between 900 and 1100 degrees Celsius. Aluminium oxide functions as an acid in this reaction, which produces salt and water.
Al2O3 + 2NaOH → 2NaAlO2 + H2O
2. Reaction with sulphuric acid
In general, metal oxides are basic, however, aluminium oxide is an amphoteric oxide.
Therefore, it is both acidic and basic. In this instance, it serves as a base.
Al2O3 + H2SO4 → Al2(SO4)3 + H2O
This is a neutralisation reaction.
3. Reaction with hydrochloric acid
Aluminium oxide includes oxide ions and so reacts similarly to sodium and magnesium oxides with acids. Aluminium oxide interacts with dilute, hot hydrochloric acid to form a solution of aluminium chloride.
Al2O3+6HCl → 2AlCl3+3H2O
Aluminium oxide (Al2O3 ) Uses
- Aluminium oxide is one of the most popular sunscreen components and is also present in nail polish, blush, and lipstick.
- It is used in glass compositions.
- It functions as a catalyst.
- In water purification, it is used to extract water from gas streams.
- It is used as an abrasive in sandpaper.
- As a substrate for integrated circuits, aluminium oxide is an electrical insulator.
- Used in sodium vapour lighting.
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q.1 What is aluminium oxide used for?
Aluminium oxide is an excellent ceramic oxide that has several crucial applications in the production of adsorbents and catalysts. Additionally, it is utilised in the aerospace industry for the manufacturing of other commercially significant compounds.
Q.2 How can aluminium oxide be produced?
Gibbsite, represented by the chemical formula Al(OH)3, can be calcined to produce aluminium oxide. This reaction has the following chemical equation: 2Al(OH)3 3H2O + Al2O3
Q.3 Is aluminium(III) oxide acidic or basic?
Aluminium(III) oxide is an amphoteric metal oxide, exhibiting both acidic and alkaline properties. The type of the other reactant in a chemical reaction determines whether Al2O3 is acidic or basic.
Q.4 What liquids react aluminium?
The reaction between aluminium and dilute hydrochloric acid produces aluminium chloride and hydrogen gas. At normal temperatures, chlorine and liquid bromine react with aluminium.
Q.5 Why can’t aluminium react with water?
Aluminium metal rapidly forms a few millimetres thick film of aluminium oxide that inhibits the metal from interacting with water. When this layer corrodes, a process occurs that results in the release of highly flammable hydrogen gas.
