What is Aluminium Nitrate?
This article deals with Aluminium nitrate formula. Aluminium nitrate refers to a salt that comprises of aluminium and nitric acid. Furthermore, this salt belongs to a group of chemicals that are reactive- organic nitrate and nitrite acid. Moreover, the nitrate ion happens to be polyatomic. What this means is that it comprises of two or more ions that are covalently bonded. Moreover, this ion forms the conjugate base of nitric acid.
Experts sometimes call aluminium nitrate as Nitric Aluminum salt or aluminium (III) nitrate. Moreover, it is a salt whose usage mostly takes place in the industry for the production of alumina. Aluminium is a water-soluble salt that exists mostly as the crystalline hydrate.
Derivation of Aluminium Nitrate Formula
The formula of aluminium nitrate happens to be \(Al\left ( NO_{3} \right )_{3}\). Aluminium is a metal that contains 3 electrons in the outer electron shell. Furthermore, for aluminium, it is more efficient to lose three electrons than to gain five. So, when it loses its three negatively charged particles, it gets a +3 net electric charge. Consequently, it turns into an ion and its formula becomes \(Al^{+3}\).
Nitrate happens to be the combination of one nitrogen atom and three atoms of oxygen. Therefore, it is a polyatomic ion. Furthermore, it carries a -1 net charge and its formula is \(NO_{3}^{-1}\).
Oppositely charged particles certainly stick together. This is similar to how the opposite ends of two magnets stick together. Furthermore, an ionic compound is a compound in which oppositely charged ions stick together. So, in order to form an ionic compound, there should be a ratio of the ions.
This is because there should be no net electric charge. Since each nitrate happens to have a charge of -1 and each aluminium contains +3 charge, we require three nitrate ions in order to cancel out the one aluminium ion’s charge.
\(Al^{+3}+3NO_{3}^{-1}\rightarrow Al\left ( NO_{3} \right )_{3}\)
Hence, we successfully derive the aluminium nitrate formula \(Al\left ( NO_{3} \right )_{3}\).
Physical Properties of Aluminium Nitrate
Aluminium nitrate exists in anhydrous form as an odorless white hygroscopic powder. Furthermore, it can exist in the form of a hydrate that is a deliquescent solid. \(1.72 g mL^{-1}\) is the density of the nonahydrate. The melting points of aluminium nitrate happen to be 74 ºC (nonahydrate) and 66 ºC (anhydrous). Moreover, the boiling point for the anhydrous is 150 ºC. In contrast, the nonahydrate decomposes on heating. Also, both forms are highly soluble when they come in contact of water.
Chemical Properties of Aluminium Nitrate
Aluminium nitrate has usage as a nitrating agent. Because of this, it can react with various salts or some hydroxides to form a nitrate.
Uses of Aluminium Nitrate
Aluminium nitrate happens to be a big factor in our daily lives. Aluminium nitrate is present in antiperspirants. Furthermore, it is also used in leather products. This is because tanning leather requires this salt. This compound is also part of the oil refining process in the manufacture of gasoline.
Not only that, the electricity in houses and offices has a connection with aluminium nitrate. This is because the compound is an important part of the uranium extraction process. This uranium is important to fuel a nuclear reactor which in turns generates electricity.
The preparation of insulating papers takes place by making use of aluminium nitrate. Furthermore, the compound can also be used in the heating-element components of cathode ray tubes.
Perhaps the most important use of aluminium nitrate is in the chemical process which involves oxidation. Oxidation refers to the chemical reaction which deals with the transfer of electrons. This process is useful in the production of various chemical compounds.
Solved Question For You
Question- What is aluminium nitrate and its formula?
Answer- Aluminium nitrate is a salt that comprises of aluminium and nitric acid. Also, the formula of aluminium nitrate happens to be \(Al\left ( NO_{3} \right )_{3}\).
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