The extraction of aluminum metal from the aluminum hydroxide in bauxite ore by t

Question

The extraction of aluminum metal from the aluminum hydroxide in bauxite ore by the Hall-Héroult process is one of the most remarkable success stories of late 19th century practical chemistry, turning aluminum from a rare and precious metal into the cheap commodity it is today. In the first step, aluminum hydroxide reacts to form alumina and water:

(s)(s)(g)

In the second step, alumina and carbon react to form aluminum and carbon dioxide:

(s)(s)(s)(g)

Write the net chemical equation for the production of aluminum from aluminum hydroxide and carbon. Be sure your equation is balanced.

Explanation / Answer

2Al(OH)3(s) ------> Al2O3(s) + 3H2O(g) ..................(1)

2Al2O3(s) + 3C(s) ----------> 4Al(s) + 3CO2(g) ........(2)

Overall reaction = 2*(1) + (2)

4Al(OH)3(s) + 3C ------> 4Al(s) + 6H2O(g) + 3CO2(g)

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