Question

What is the name of $Al{(OH)_3}$?

Answer 1

Hint: The naming of hydroxides is pretty simple. Hydroxides contain 2 parts- Metal cation and hydroxide anion. So the naming of Metal hydroxide involves naming of metal ion first followed by the word “hydroxide”. Oxygen has -2 oxidation state and Hydrogen has +1 oxidation state so overall it is written as $O{H^ - }$. For example-Sodium hydroxide $(NaOH)$.

Complete answer:
The name of $Al{(OH)_3}$ is Aluminium Hydroxide. It is an inorganic compound that contains Aluminium. It is also called as Aluminium hydroxide or Aluminium (III) hydroxide or Aluminic acid or ortho aluminic acid or aluminium trihydroxide .In this case the Metal atom is $A{l^{ + 3}}$ and the polyatomic ion is $O{H^ - }$.
$Al{(OH)_3}_{(s)} \rightleftharpoons A{l^{ + 3}}_{(aq.)} + 3O{H^ - }_{(aq)}$

Additional information-
Some common properties of Aluminium Hydroxide are as under-
(1)It is a white amorphous powder.
(2) It is Amphoteric in nature i.e. reacts with both acid and base. It acts as a Bronsted-Lowry base and reacts with acid like Hydrochloric Acid to produce salt.
$3HCl + Al{(OH)_3} \to AlC{l_3} + 3{H_2}O$
It also acts as a Lewis acid by reacting with hydroxide ions.
$Al{(OH)_3} + O{H^ - } \to Al{(OH)_4}^ - $
(3)It is colorless and tasteless in nature. It is insoluble in water but soluble in Acid and Alkali.
(4)The Melting point of Aluminium Hydroxide is 342 °C.
(5)The density is $2.42g/c{m^3}$.
(6)The structure contains a double layer of hydroxyl groups and Aluminium ions occupying the octahedral holes between the layers.

Note:
Aluminium hydroxide is used for the treatment of heartburns and peptic ulcers. In Fact it is a very popular Antacid. It also helps reduce phosphate levels in certain kidney conditions. It is useful in manufacture of certain drugs and vaccines. It is used as a filler in cosmetics and also used in manufacture of glass and activated alumina.