Chapter 7.3, Problem 26PP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The formula for ionic compounds composed of Aluminum and Carbonate.

Concept introduction:

Chemical compounds are formed when the atoms, ions or molecules of two substances are attracted towards each other forming a chemical bond. This bond can be electrostatic when two oppositely charged ions are attracted towards each other and this bond is said to be ionic bond.

Answer to Problem 26PP

The formula of ionic compound composed of Aluminum and Carbonateis ${\text{Al}}_2{{\text{(CO}}_3)}_3$

Explanation of Solution

The formation of Aluminum Carbonateis when Aluminum ion interact with carbonate ion.

The electronic configuration of Aluminumis ${\text{1s}}^{\text{2}} {\text{2s}}^{\text{2}} {\text{2p}}^{\text{6}} {\text{3s}}^2 3{\text{p}}^1$ or $\left[\text{Ne}\right]{\text{3s}}^{2}3{\text{p}}^1$

The carbon atom is bonded to 3 oxygen atoms. Here carbon atom forms 1 double bond with one oxygen atom and two single bonds with two oxygen. has overall charge of -2.

Aluminum has three valence electron in its outermost shell and will give up these three electrons to form Aluminum ions, ${\text{Al}}^{3+}$ while ${\text{CO}}_3{}^{2-}$ is -2. As Aluminum has charge of +3, there needs to be three electrons to balance the charges. Hence, 3 of ${\text{CO}}_3{}^{2-}$ is required to form an ionic bond with Aluminum. Here, there is electrostatic force of attraction between one Calcium ion and two Chlorate ions. This results in the formation of ${\text{Al}}_2{{\text{(CO}}_3)}_3$ compound.

Conclusion

The formula of ionic compound composedof Aluminum and Carbonate is ${\text{Al}}_2{{\text{(CO}}_3)}_3$