PDF chapter test TRY NOW
What is a chemical property?
A chemical property is a property of a substance that can be seen when it undergoes a chemical reaction.
Chemical Properties of Aluminium:
(a). Reaction with air:
Aluminium is not affected by dry air.
Aluminium burns brightly at \(800\)°C to form its oxide and nitride.
\(4Al\) + \(3O_2\) → \(2Al_2O_3\) (Aluminium oxide).
\(2Al\) + \(N_2\) → \(2AlN\) (Aluminium nitride).
(b). Reaction with water:
Water does not react with aluminium because of the oxide layer on it. When steam is passed over, the red hot aluminium produces hydrogen.
\(2Al\) + \(3H_2O\) → \(Al_2O_3\) + \(3H_2\)↑
(Aluminium) + (Steam) → (Aluminium oxide) + (Hydrogen)
(c). Reaction with alkalis:
Aluminium reacts with caustic soda alkalis to form aluminates.
\(2Al\) + \(2NaOH\) + \(2H_2O\) → \(2NaAlO_2\) + \(3H_2\)↑
(Aluminium) + (Caustic soda) → (Sodium meta-aluminate)
(d). Reaction with acids:
Aluminium reacts with dilute or con. \(HCl\) liberates \(H_2\) gas.
\(2Al\) + \(6HCl\) → \(2AlCl_3\) + \(3H_2\)↑
(Aluminium) + (Hydrogen chloride) → (Aluminium chloride) + (Hydrogen)
Aluminium reacts with dilute sulphuric acid releases hydrogen, similarly reacts with hot concentrated sulphuric acid releases sulphur dioxide.
\(2Al\) + \(3H_2SO_4\) → \(Al_2(SO_4)_3\) + \(3H_2\)↑
(Dilute)
\(2Al\) + \(6H_2SO_4\) → \(Al_2(SO_4)_3\) + \(6H_2O\) + \(3SO_2\)↑
(Con.)
Important!
Dilute or concentrated nitric acid does not react with aluminium, but it does render it passive by forming an oxide film on its surface.
(e). Reducing agent:
Aluminium is a highly effective reducing agent.
When a mixture of aluminium powder and iron oxide is ignited, the latter is reduced to metal. This process is known as the aluminothermic process.
\(Fe_2O_3\) + \(2Al\) → \(2Fe\) + \(Al_2O_3\) + Heat.
Uses of Aluminium:
Aluminium is used in various applications.
(a). Household utensils.
Aluminium utensils
(b). Electrical cable industry.
Aluminium cables
(c). Manufacturing of aeroplanes and other industrial machinery parts.
Industrial usage of aluminium
Register for free to see more content