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Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: bis0317 on August 16, 2012, 11:44:00 AM

Title: Al(OH)3
Post by: bis0317 on August 16, 2012, 11:44:00 AM

Hello!
I have question about chemical reaction.
Thank you for your help in advance.

In water purifying process, many countries use Al(OH)3.
Al(OH)3 is made by the reaction between (Al)2(SO4)3 and H2O.
And I want to know the whole mechanisms of this reaction.

I think...
Once the (Al)2(SO4)3 is dropped into the water,
it is disassembled into 2*Al(3+) and 3*SO4 because Al is metal so it give its electron to so4.

But i don't know any further..
Can you tell me the whole mechanism of this reaction?
I'm especially wondering how Al(3+) can react with H2O since the water is a covalent which is very strong..

Title: Re: Al(OH)3
Post by: Hunter2 on August 17, 2012, 12:56:44 AM

No you need alkalinity to get the hydroxide.  Aluminum sulfate will be dissolved in water without any change. The solution has acidic pH.