Aluminium Chloride Hexahydrate Formula

Aluminium chloride hexahydrate is a chemical compound with the formula AlCl3•6H2O. It is also known as aluminum trichloride hexahydrate. The compound contains one aluminum ion (Al3+) and three chloride ions (Cl-) that are surrounded by six water molecules (H2O) per aluminum ion.

The AlCl3 part of the formula represents the aluminum ion and the three chloride ions that are bonded to it. The aluminum ion has a positive charge of +3, while each chloride ion has a negative charge of -1. The three chloride ions bond with the aluminum ion through ionic bonds, which involve the transfer of electrons from the aluminum ion to the chloride ions.

The 6H2O part of the formula indicates that there are six water molecules associated with each aluminum ion. These water molecules are held together by hydrogen bonds to form a complex with the metal ion. The hydrated AlCl3 complex has a crystalline structure.

The combination of aluminum ions, chloride ions, and water molecules in this compound creates an acidic solution when dissolved in water. This property makes aluminum chloride hexahydrate useful in various industrial and laboratory applications, including the production of dyes, pigments, and pharmaceuticals, as well as in the processing of aluminum ores.