What happens when aluminium oxide reacts with HCl?
When aluminium oxide reacts with hydrochloric acid, it gives aluminum chloride solution.
Aluminium oxide ($\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3$) is known to react with acids due to its amphoteric nature, meaning it can react with both acids and bases. When specifically reacted with hydrochloric acid ($\text{HCl}$), it undergoes a chemical reaction.
Based on the provided reference, this reaction occurs when aluminium oxide is combined with hot dilute hydrochloric acid. The primary product formed is aluminum chloride, which dissolves in water to form an aluminum chloride solution.
The chemical equation representing this reaction is:
| Reactants | Products | |
|---|---|---|
| $\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3\text{(s)}$ | + | $6\text{HCl(aq)}$ |
| (Aluminium oxide) | (Hydrochloric acid, hot & dilute) | |
| $\rightarrow$ | $2\text{AlCl}_3\text{(aq)}$ | |
| $3\text{H}_2\text{O(l)}$ | ||
| (Aluminum chloride solution) | ||
| (Water) |
Key Aspects of the Reaction
- Amphoteric Nature: Aluminium oxide's ability to react with $\text{HCl}$ demonstrates its amphoteric character. It acts as a base when reacting with an acid like $\text{HCl}$.
- Conditions: The reference specifies that the reaction proceeds with hot dilute hydrochloric acid. While the reaction can occur under other conditions, these are the specific conditions mentioned in the reference leading to the aluminum chloride solution.
- Products: The main product is aluminum chloride ($\text{AlCl}_3$). Since the reaction takes place in an aqueous solution (from $\text{HCl}$ being aqueous and water being formed), the aluminum chloride dissolves, resulting in an aluminum chloride solution. Water is also produced as a byproduct.
In summary, the reaction between aluminium oxide and hot dilute hydrochloric acid is an acid-base reaction where solid aluminium oxide dissolves to form a solution of aluminum chloride and water.
