3. What Is The Structure Of Aluminum Hydroxide?

Aluminum hydroxide is a chemical compound with the formula Al(OH)3. It consists of aluminum ions (Al3+) surrounded by three hydroxide ions (OH-) in a trigonal planar arrangement. The aluminum ion has a +3 charge and the hydroxide ion has a -1 charge, resulting in a neutral compound. The crystal structure of aluminum hydroxide is typically gibbsite, which consists of layers of octahedrally coordinated Al atoms sandwiched between layers of hexagonally arranged hydroxide ions. Each Al atom is bonded to six oxygen atoms, three from each of two adjacent hydroxide ions. Aluminum hydroxide is commonly used as an antacid to treat symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.