/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 139 Aluminum hydroxide is an amphote... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Aluminum hydroxide is an amphoteric substance. It can act as either a Bronsted-Lowry base or a Lewis acid. Write a reaction showing All(OH) acting as a base toward \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\) and as an acid toward OH".

Short Answer

Expert verified
Aluminum hydroxide, Al(OH)鈧, can act as a Bronsted-Lowry base by accepting a proton (H鈦) in the reaction: \( Al(OH)_{3} + H^{+} \rightarrow Al(OH)_{4}^{-} \). It can also act as a Lewis acid by accepting a hydroxide ion (OH鈦) in the reaction: \( Al(OH)_{3} + OH^{-} \rightarrow Al(OH)_{4}^{-} \).

Step by step solution

01

Reaction 1: Aluminum hydroxide as a Bronsted-Lowry base

To show aluminum hydroxide acting as a Bronsted-Lowry base, we need to show it accepting a proton (H鈦) forming Al(OH)鈧勨伝. The balanced reaction for Al(OH)鈧 acting as a base towards H鈦 can be written as: \( Al(OH)_{3} + H^{+} \rightarrow Al(OH)_{4}^{-} \)
02

Reaction 2: Aluminum hydroxide as a Lewis acid

To show aluminum hydroxide acting as a Lewis acid, we need to demonstrate it accepting an OH鈦 ion to form Al(OH)鈧勨伝. The balanced reaction for Al(OH)鈧 acting as a Lewis acid towards OH鈦 can be written as: \( Al(OH)_{3} + OH^{-} \rightarrow Al(OH)_{4}^{-} \) In these reactions, we have demonstrated that aluminum hydroxide can act as both a Bronsted-Lowry base and a Lewis acid by accepting a proton (H鈦) and a hydroxide ion (OH鈦). This confirms that Al(OH)鈧 is an amphoteric substance.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Bronsted-Lowry base
A Br酶nsted-Lowry base is a substance that accepts protons (H鈦 ions) in a chemical reaction. This theory is named after Johannes Nicolaus Br酶nsted and Thomas Martin Lowry, who independently proposed it. As a Br酶nsted-Lowry base, aluminum hydroxide ( Al(OH)_3 ) can interact with acids by accepting their protons. Imagine a sponge soaking up water; similarly, a Br酶nsted-Lowry base 'soaks up' protons. When aluminum hydroxide acts in this manner, it forms a complex ion. In our example:
  • Aluminum hydroxide reacts with an H鈦 ion.
  • The product is Al(OH)_{4}^{-} , a hydroxyl complex.
This transformation highlights aluminum hydroxide's nature as a base because it willingly accepts a proton, fitting perfectly into the Br酶nsted-Lowry theory. Thus, identifying substances that act as Br酶nsted-Lowry bases is about recognizing their capacity to gain H鈦 ions.
Lewis acid
The concept of a Lewis acid revolves around the idea of accepting electron pairs. Named after Gilbert N. Lewis, a Lewis acid does not focus on protons like the Br酶nsted-Lowry bases, but rather on electrons. It's more about attraction to electrons than donation or sharing, underscoring a distinctly different perspective in acid-base chemistry. In the case of aluminum hydroxide ( Al(OH)_3 ), acting as a Lewis acid involves accepting an OH^- ion:
  • Al(OH)_3 accepts an electron pair from OH鈦.
  • This forms Al(OH)_{4}^{-} , similar to the reaction when it acts as a Br酶nsted-Lowry base.
When Al(OH)_3 accepts the OH^- ion, it's not looking at sharing the proton but the lone electron pair that the hydroxide carries. This transformation is what characterizes the reaction as involving a Lewis acid. Hence, Lewis acids contribute to a broader understanding of chemical reactions by emphasizing electron pair acceptance.
Aluminum hydroxide
Aluminum hydroxide ( Al(OH)_3 ) is an amphoteric substance, which means it can act as both an acid and a base depending on the environment. This dual behavior is unique and allows it to participate in various chemical reactions. Amphoterism is apparent when aluminum hydroxide exhibits dual roles:
  • As a Br酶nsted-Lowry base, it accepts protons from acid solutions.
  • As a Lewis acid, it accepts electron pairs, particularly noticeable when combining with bases like OH^- .
Understanding amphibolous behavior aids in exploring the diversity of its application, whether in industrial, environmental, or biological settings. Its ability to interact widely with different types of chemicals also makes it valuable in antacid formulations, water purification, and as a flame retardant. Through these interactions, aluminum hydroxide serves as a bridge in chemistry, showcasing the fluid boundaries between acids and bases.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.