What is the formula of aluminum acetate?
$\left( C _2 H _3 O _2\right)_3 Al$
$AlC _2 H _3 O _{23}$
AlAc
$Al \left( C _2 H _3 O _2\right)_3$
Answer (2)
Aluminum acetate consists of aluminum ( A l 3 + ) and acetate ( C 2 H 3 O 2 − ) ions.
Three acetate ions are needed to balance the +3 charge of the aluminum ion.
The correct chemical formula is therefore A l ( C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 3 .
This formula represents one aluminum ion and three acetate ions, ensuring charge neutrality: A l ( C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 3 .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are asked to identify the correct chemical formula for aluminum acetate from the given options. Aluminum acetate is an ionic compound composed of aluminum ions and acetate ions.
Determining the Ion Charges Aluminum has a charge of +3 ( A l 3 + ), and the acetate ion has a charge of -1 ( C 2 H 3 O 2 − ). To form a neutral compound, we need three acetate ions for each aluminum ion to balance the charges.
Balancing the Charges Therefore, the chemical formula for aluminum acetate is A l ( C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 3 . This indicates one aluminum ion and three acetate ions.
Evaluating the Options Let's examine the given options:
( C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 3 A l : This is the reverse order, with aluminum written last, but it represents the correct ratio of ions.
A l C 2 H 3 O 23 : This formula is incorrect as it suggests 23 oxygen atoms, which is not the correct representation of aluminum acetate.
A l A c : This is a simplified representation, where 'Ac' stands for acetate. While commonly used, it is not the full chemical formula.
A l ( C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 3 : This is the correct chemical formula, showing one aluminum ion and three acetate ions.
Final Answer The correct formula for aluminum acetate is A l ( C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 3 .
Examples
Aluminum acetate is used in various applications, such as a mordant in dyeing textiles, as an antiseptic, and as an astringent. In medicine, it can be found in Burow's solution, which is used to treat skin irritations and infections. Understanding the chemical formula helps in preparing the solution with the correct proportions of aluminum and acetate ions, ensuring its effectiveness and safety. For example, a pharmacist needs to know the correct formula to compound the medication accurately.
The correct formula for aluminum acetate is A l ( C 2 H 3 O 2 ) 3 , signifying one aluminum ion and three acetate ions needed for charge balance. The provided options were evaluated, and this formula is the accurate representation of aluminum acetate. Other options either misrepresent the formula or provide informal shorthand that is not chemically complete.
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