Sign In
Ask Question
Macie Stephenson
Chemistry
24 August, 20:49
Why we called Al2O3 is lewis acid
+3
Answers (
2
)
Bo Lozano
24 August, 20:52
0
12
down vote
favorite
3
Aluminium oxide is amphoteric. It is easy to see that it is a Bronsted-Lowry base through the following reaction:
Al2O3+6HCl →2AlCl3+3H2O
AlX2OX3+6HCl →2AlClX3+3HX2O
The Alumnium oxide splits and the oxygen accepts a proton, forming water.
But what about the reaction with a base? In my textbook, they say:
Al2O3+NaOH →2NaAlO2+H2O
AlX2OX3+NaOH →2NaAlOX2+HX2O
Now, the textbook claims that Aluminium oxide is an acid merely because it reacts with a base to form a salt and water, as is characteristic of a neutralization reaction.
But I'm not satisfied with this definition. I mean, acids aren't defined as 'things that neutralize bases', we have well-established definitions for them.
I tried to figure out for myself how this could be. Clearly, the Bronsted-Lowry theory cannot be applied here since the compound in question has no protons to donate. Therefore, the only alternative is the Lewis concept. I cannot see how that is applicable in this case.
The most basic definition of "acid" is that it is a proton donor (or one which accepts a lone pair)
All of this stuff is done in an aqueous medium, so we can assume that all aqueous ions and molecules are present. With this assumption (in this case, we are assuming that OH-OHX - is available to react), we get the following equation:
Al2O3+OH-⟶2AlO2-+H+
AlX2OX3+OHX-⟶2AlOX2X-+HX+
Similarly, we get:
Al2O3+6H+⟶2Al3++H2O
AlX2OX3+6HX+⟶2AlX3++HX2O
where it is acting like a proton acceptor (base).
Comment
Complaint
Link
Jaylin Conner
24 August, 20:54
0
12 down 3 thats what i think
Comment
Complaint
Link
Know the Answer?
Answer
Not Sure About the Answer?
Find an answer to your question 👍
“Why we called Al2O3 is lewis acid ...”
in 📗 Chemistry if the answers seem to be not correct or there’s no answer. Try a smart search to find answers to similar questions.
Search for Other Answers
You Might be Interested in
What is the oxidation number of NaMnO4?
Answers (1)
Particles are arranged in a crystal structure in a sample of (1) H2 (g) (3) Ar (g) (2) Br2 (l) (4) Ag (s)
Answers (1)
Which refers to the sum of all the forces that act upon an object? absolute force Onet force positive force O balanced force Save and Exit Next Submit Mark this and return
Answers (1)
An atom of lithium-7 has an equal number of (1) electrons and neutrons (2) electrons and protons (3) positrons and neutrons (4) positrons and protons
Answers (1)
Above a pressure of 200 atmospheres and at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius, water is in gas phase. True or false?
Answers (1)
New Questions in Chemistry
Least reactive element of period 3
Answers (2)
A chemical formula shows the kind and number of Atoms that form a what? compound, mixture, solution, or suspension
Answers (1)
What gas was used as a deadly posiosn in world war 1?
Answers (1)
Four moles of hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas react with one mole of oxygen (O2) gas to produce two moles of chlorine gas (Cl2) and two moles of water gas (H2O).
Answers (2)
what noble gas electron configuration is achieved by the bromine atoms in a molecule of BR2, a diatomic element?
Answers (1)
Home
»
Chemistry
» Why we called Al2O3 is lewis acid
Sign In
Sign Up
Forgot Password?