Aluminium is a unique metal with the chemical formula Al. Let us see how Al reacts with an acid in this reaction.
Al belongs to group 13 and period 3 of the periodic table,with an atomic weight of 27u. It is reactive to Oxygen and creates a protective layer of oxide on its surface. Sulphurous acid(H2SO3) is dubbed as the aqueous solution of sulphur oxide(SO2) due to similarity in properties.
In this scientific article, we will see how the reaction of the acid and element happens, with their properties like reaction enthalpy and description.
What is the product of H2SO3 and Al?
H2SO3 and Al are reacted to form Aluminium sulphate and evolve hydrogen gas respectively. The reaction equation is:
- 3H2SO3 + 2Al → Al2(SO3)3 + 3H2
What type of reaction is H2SO3 + Al?
The reaction of H2SO4 and Al is both a dissociation and displacement reaction as products formed dissociate to ions in the solution and hydrogen gets displaced.
How to balance H2SO3 + CH3NH2?
There are certain rules to be followed to balance H2SO3 + Al:
- H2SO3 + Al → Al2(SO3)3 + H2
- As both the reaction and product side should be equal in atoms; with a stoichiometric ratio to be kept in mind, multiply H2SO3 with 3 to equal the hydrogen atoms.
- 3H2SO3 + Al → Al2(SO3)3 + 3H2
- The Al part is multiplied with 2 to equal the product side.
- 3H2SO3 + 2Al → Al2(SO3)3 + 3H2
H2SO3 + Al Titration
Al can be estimated by a process called thermometric titration. The steps of this titration are:
Apparatus
- Graduated burette
- Conical flask
- Volumetric flask
- Burette stand
Titre and Titrant
- Al solution is used as the titrant, one which is to be analysed.
- H2SO3 is the known titre whose concentration has been measured.
Indicator
Thermometric titration does not require a colour-changing indicator as they are primarily based on enthalpy changes.
Procedure
- In the conical flask, weighed sodium tartrate and samples of Aluminium are dissolved well in water.
- A dilute solution of H2SO3 is prepared and added to the washed burette.
- The conical flask is placed under thermistor and the titration is carried out.
- After some time, few drops of KF are added and the temperature is detected.
- The endpoint or the end of the titration appears when there is a significant change in temperature or enthalpy of the solution.
- The volume of the sample is estimated accordingly from the titration.
H2SO3 + Al Net Ionic Equation
H2SO3 + Al reaction has the following net ionic equation:
- 2H+(aq) +SO32-(aq) + Al(l) → 2Al3+(aq) +3SO32-(aq) + H2(g)
- H2SO3 dissociates into hydrogen and sulphite ions.
- Al2(SO3)3 gets dissociated into Aluminium ions of +3 oxidation state and sulphite ions.
H2SO3 + Al Conjugate Pairs
H2SO3 + Al reaction produces the following conjugate pairs, differing by one proton:
- Conjugate base of H2SO3= HSO3–
H2SO3 + Al Intermolecular Forces
H2SO3 + Al reaction has the following intermolecular forces,
- H2SO3 shows an ionic character that exists mostly in an aqueous medium.
- Al exists in a face-centred cubic lattice and forms a metallic bond with the outermost electrons.
- Al is non-polar with very low dispersion forces.
| Element | Van der Waals’ Radius(Å) |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen | 1.20 |
| Aluminium | 1.84 |
| Sulphur | 1.80 |
H2SO3 + Al Reaction Enthalpy
H2SO3 + Al has the reaction Enthalpy data -1033 kJ/mol.
- Enthalpy of Formation of Al = 0 kJ/mol (as it is an element)
- Enthalpy of Formation of H2SO3 = -655.5 kJ/mol
- Enthalpy of Formation of Al2(SO3)3 = -3000 kJ/mol
- Enthalpy of Formation of H2 = 0 kJ/mol (as it is an element)
Is H2SO3 + Al a Buffer Solution?
H2SO3 + Al reaction cannot give a strong buffer solution because it has a strong acid like sulphurous acid that cannot be a part of the buffer and also contains a metal.
Is H2SO3 + Al a Complete Reaction?
H2SO3 + Al reaction is complete as,once equilibrium is reached, products are completely formed.
Is H2SO3 + Al an Exothermic Reaction?
H2SO3 + Al reaction is fairly exothermic with a negative enthalpy of reaction.
Is H2SO3 + Al a Redox Reaction?
H2SO3 + Al reaction is a redox reaction where hydrogen gets oxidised to its elemental form due to Aluminium displacing it from the acid.
Is H2SO3 + Al a Precipitation Reaction?
H2SO3 + Al reaction is not a precipitation reaction because no precipitate is observed. Instead, we observe products in solution.
Is H2SO3 + Al an Irreversible Reaction?
H2SO3 + Al reaction is an irreversible reaction as the products are formed at equilibrium. These cannot be reverted once isolated.
Is H2SO3 + Al a Displacement Reaction?
H2SO3 + Al reaction is a single displacement reaction as Aluminium replaces the hydrogen from the acidic entity. Aluminium has a high oxidation potential of +1.66 V.
Conclusion
Aluminium is a non-magnetic and soft metal that has huge applications in manufacturing industries. It is not usually obtained in elemental form in nature. As Al mostly exists in the +3 oxidation state, the product is formed accordingly.
Read more about following H2SO3 facts
Hello….Neeloy here! I have pursued a Master’ in Chemistry and am currently a Subject Matter Expert in this community. Science and reasoning feed my curiosity and I love to express whatever I see, in my words. Quiz addict. Let’s connect at LinkedIn.
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