On adding ammonium hydroxide solution to AI2(SO4)3 (aq): a)a precipita...
Al2(SO4)3 + 6NH4OH → 2AI (OH)3 + 3(NH4)2 SO4
AI(OH)3 is insoluble in NH4OH
but soluble in NaOH
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On adding ammonium hydroxide solution to AI2(SO4)3 (aq): a)a precipita...
Formation of Precipitate on Adding Ammonium Hydroxide Solution to AI2(SO4)3
When ammonium hydroxide solution is added to AI2(SO4)3 (aq), the following reaction takes place:
AI2(SO4)3 + 6NH4OH → 2Al(OH)3↓ + 3(NH4)2SO4
Here, NH4OH acts as a base and reacts with AI2(SO4)3 to form a precipitate of aluminum hydroxide [Al(OH)3] and ammonium sulfate [(NH4)2SO4].
The answer to the given question is option 'A', i.e., a precipitate is formed which does not dissolve in excess of ammonium hydroxide. This means that the precipitate of aluminum hydroxide formed on adding ammonium hydroxide solution to AI2(SO4)3 does not dissolve in excess of ammonium hydroxide.
Explanation
The precipitate of aluminum hydroxide [Al(OH)3] formed by the reaction is insoluble in water and ammonium hydroxide. However, it can dissolve in acidic or basic solutions due to the formation of complex ions.
In the given reaction, AI2(SO4)3 is acidic in nature due to the presence of sulfate ions. When ammonium hydroxide is added to it, it neutralizes the acidic nature of the solution and forms a basic medium. This causes the precipitation of aluminum hydroxide.
The excess of ammonium hydroxide does not dissolve the precipitate because aluminum hydroxide is insoluble in it. However, if an excess of acid or base is added, the precipitate can dissolve due to the formation of complex ions.
Conclusion
On adding ammonium hydroxide solution to AI2(SO4)3, a precipitate of aluminum hydroxide is formed which does not dissolve in excess of ammonium hydroxide. This happens because aluminum hydroxide is insoluble in ammonium hydroxide.