Question

Name the compound formed when: Bauxite reacts with sodium hydroxide.

Answer 1

Sodium meta aluminate

Explanation:

Bauxite reacts with sodium hydroxide at 140°C -150°C to give sodium meta aluminate and water. Also, insoluble impurities are left behind as mud which consists of ferric oxide, sand, etc. The reaction is given as:

\[\ce{Al2O3.2H2O_{(s)} + 2NaOH_{(aq)}->2NaAlO2_{(aq)}+ 3H2O}\]