What is Aluminium Dioxide?
Aluminium Oxide is found naturally in minerals as bauxite and it is mostly used as a catalyst and an absorbent. The chemical formula for the compound is given as the Al2O3 and its molecular weight is given as the 101.96 g mol-1. It is prepared by mixing aluminium cations and oxygen anions together.
Aluminium Dioxide Structure
It can be extracted from different minerals in nature and does not have any unique structure. The compound had octahedral geometry, hexagonal cubic geometry and its chemical structure could be written as below.
It is naturally found in ores that is spread across the planet. Its major presence can be felt in Australia, Greece, and Guinea etc. it is generally extracted from minerals by addition of sodium hydroxide to minerals with the help of a Bayer process. First, chemicals are mixed together then they are cooled down to form the precipitates. The compound needs to be calcined at a temperature of 1100 degree Celsius to obtain the aluminium oxide.
Aluminium Dioxide Formula Al2O3
Let us discuss the physical properties ahead. This is a colorless, crystalline, and odorless solid. Its melting point is given as the 3000 degree Celsius and boiling point is around 20154 degree Celsius that is extremely high. The density of the compound is 3.97 g mL-1 and it is not soluble in water.
It is an amphoteric oxide that can easily react with acids or bases. The compound is largely used as an intermediate to produce construction materials, building materials, cosmetics, electric devices, glass paints etc.