Explain the formation of the following Ionic compounds by transfer of electrons :Al2O3
Answers
Answer & Explanation:
In the formation of the compound Aluminium Oxide (Al₂O₃), Ionic bonding takes place. Aluminium has 13 electrons, thus, the electronic configuration will be 2,8,3. So, it has to donate 3 electrons in order to attain stability. On the other hand, Oxygen has 8 electrons, thus, electronic configuration will be 2,6. So, it has to receive 2 electrons so as to attain stability. Thus, they both combine to follow the octet rule.
At first, aluminium gives away 3 electrons which are present in its valence shell making its electronic configuration stable: 2,8.
Al - 3e⁻ --> Al³⁺
Al --> Al³⁺ + 3e⁻
Then, among the 3 electrons, an oxygen atom needs only 2 so it receives 2 to make itself stabilize.
O + 2e⁻ --> O²⁻
But still 1 electron is left. Thus, to make everything stabilize and to prevent the presence of extra electrons, 2 Al atoms lose 6 electrons (3 by each of them). On the other hand, 3 O atoms receive 6 electrons to be stable (2 for each of them).
Therefore, in the end, 2 aluminium atoms formed and got stable along with 3 oxygen atoms. An Ionic bond got formed.
Hope this helps.