Question

The following is an extract from 'Metals in the Service of Man, Alexander and Street/Pelican 1976':

'Alumina (aluminium oxide) has a very high melting point of over 2000°C so that it cannot readily be liquefied. However, conversion of alumina to aluminium and oxygen, by electrolysis, can occur when it is dissolved in some other substance.'

1. Which solution is used to react with bauxite as a first step in obtaining pure aluminium oxide?
2. The aluminium oxide for the electrolytic extraction of aluminium is obtained by heating aluminium hydroxide. Write the balanced chemical equation for this reaction.
3. Name the element which serves both as the anode and the cathode in the extraction of aluminium.
4. Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction that occurs at the cathode during the extraction of aluminium by electrolysis.
5. Give the balanced chemical equation for the reaction which occurs at the anode when aluminium is purified by electrolysis.

Answer 1

1. Sodium hydroxide
2. \[\ce{2Al(OH)3 ->[Heat][1000^\circ C] Al2O3 + 3H2O}\]
3. Graphite
4. \[\ce{Al^{3+} + 3e- -> Al}\]
5. \[\ce{Al - 3e- -> Al^{3+}}\]