Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH

Al(OH)3 + NaOH → NaAlO2 + 2H2O

Descripción general

Aluminum hydroxide dissolves in sodium hydroxide solution, demonstrating its acidic character. The Al(OH)₃ acts as a Lewis acid, accepting OH⁻ to form the aluminate ion [Al(OH)₄]⁻. This amphoteric behavior is characteristic of elements near the metal-nonmetal boundary in the periodic table.

Participantes

Rol Sustancia Coeficiente Estado
Reactivo Aluminum Hydroxide Al(OH)₃ 1 (s)
Reactivo Sodium Hydroxide NaOH 1 (aq)
Producto Water H₂O 2 (l)

Ejemplo cotidiano

The Bayer process for aluminum production exploits this amphoteric behavior, dissolving aluminum oxide in NaOH to separate it from iron oxide impurities.

Importancia industrial

El aluminato de sodio se utiliza en el tratamiento del agua como coagulante, en la fabricación de papel y en el proceso Bayer que produce más de 130 millones de toneladas de alúmina al año.

Propiedades

Tipo
Acid-Base
Reversible
No
Energía
Exotérmico
ΔH
-20,0 kJ/mol

Reacciones relacionadas

Hydrochloric Acid and Barium Hydroxide Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic) Carbonic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base) Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization Formic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH?
The balanced equation is: Al(OH)₃ + NaOH → NaAlO₂ + 2H₂O.
What type of reaction is Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH?
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH is a acid-base reaction.
Is Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH exothermic or endothermic?
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -20.0 kJ/mol.