PRE-U TEXT STPM INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

ISBN: 978 983 3879 83 0

PRE-U TEXT
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Chapter 3 Group 13 elements: Aluminium

Practice 3.1 Chemical and physical properties of aluminium
Reinforce your understanding and knowledge of aluminium, a Group 13 element by
elaborating the key words given below:
STPM

: 1998, P1/Q24, Q26, Q27, Q53; 1999, P1/Q21; 2000, P1/Q21; 2001, P1/Q17,
P2/Q8(a)(i), 2001, P1/Q15, P2/Q8(a); 2002, P1/Q46; 2003, P1/Q202004,

P1/Q7(b)
Reference

: Pages 41 to 53

Guide

Extraction of aluminium
Purification of bauxite
Electrolysis of bauxite

Physical properties of aluminium

Density
Heat and electrical conductor
Hardness Application and usage

Chemical properties of aluminium

Large negative value of electrode potential
Reaction with non-metallic elements by heating
Thermite process
Reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid
Reaction that occurs when aluminium is heated in an alkaline solution

Bonding in aluminium compounds

Formation of covalent compounds
Formation of ionic compounds with reference to high ionisation energy

The Al3+ (aq) ion

Formation of complex in aqueous solution
The coordination of water molecules in the formation of complex with
reference to electrons

Pearson Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. 2007

PRE-U TEXT STPM INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

ISBN: 978 983 3879 83 0

Bronsted-Lowry acids
Presence of stronger bases and the formation of aluminate ions [Al(OH)4]-

Aluminium oxide
Heating of aluminium hydroxide
Amphoteric
Catalyst
Thin layer chromatography

Aluminium hydroxide

Aluminium chloride
Physical state at room temperature
Solubility
Dimeric form
Hydrolysis of aluminium chloride
Used for:
o Catalyst in the electrophilic substitution
o Preparation of lithium tetrahydridoaluminate(III)
o Reducing agent
Preparation of aluminium chloride

Complex formation
The high charge density of Al3+
Presence of empty orbitals
Acceptance of electrons from ligands
Six co-ordinated complex

Uses of aluminium and its compound

Recycling aluminium

Anodisation

Pearson Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. 2007