Al(OH)3 is an amphoteric compound and H2SO3 is a mild acid. Let us see how Al(OH)3 and H2SO3 react with each in this article:
H2SO3 and Al(OH)3 neutralize each other to form salt and water. Aluminium hydroxide [Al(OH)3] is found naturally as a mineral and shows both an acidic and basic character. It closely resembles its properties with Al2O3 and AlO(OH). Sulphurous acid (H2SO3) is an intermediate formed during acid rain.
We will discuss some important facts about the reaction of Al(OH)3 + H2SO3, like redox reaction, type of reaction and balanced chemical equation through this article.
What is the product of H2SO3 and Al(OH)3
Aluminium sulphite [Al2(SO3)3] and water (H2O) are the products of H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 reaction. The chemical equation for the reaction is as follows,
Al(OH)3 + H2SO3 = Al2SO3 + H2O
What type of reaction is H2SO3 + Al(OH)3
H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 reaction is a neutralization reaction. Here acid (H2SO3) and base (Al(OH)3) reacts to form salt [Al2(SO3)3] and water.
How to balance H2SO3 + Al(OH)3
The balanced chemical equation for H2SO3 and Al(OH)3 reaction is,
2Al(OH)3 + 3H2SO3 = Al2(SO3)3 + 6H2O
- The unbalanced chemical equation for H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 reaction is,
- Al(OH)3 + H2SO3 = Al2SO3 + H2O
- To check if the number of atoms present on both sides of the equation is equal or not.
- Aluminium, Oxygen and hydrogens are not balanced; therefore, a coefficient of 2, 3 and 6 is multiplied with Al(OH)3, H2SO3, and H2O respectively.
- Thus, the balanced chemical equation for the given reaction is:
- 2Al(OH)3 + 3H2SO3 = Al2(SO3)3 + 6H2O
H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 titration
The titration of Al(OH)3 + H2SO3 is considered as acid-base titration.
Apparatus used
Pipette, burette, conical flask, funnel, beaker, burette stand.
Indicator
Phenolphthalein is used as an indicator.
Procedure
- Washed and rinsed the burette with a standardised solution of Al(OH)3 and noted the initial reading of the burette.
- Took 10mL of H2SO3 in a conical flask and added 2-3 drops of phenolphthalein in it.
- Added solution of Al(OH)3 to the conical flask in a dropwise manner with continuous shaking.
- The colour of the solution changed from pink to colourless when the endpoint was obtained.
- Repeated the process to obtain concurrent readings.
- The concentration of H2SO3 was found with the formula V1S1 = V2S2.
H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 conjugate pairs
H2SO3 and Al(OH)3 do not form a conjugate pair. Both of them are weak acids and bases.
- Conjugate pair of H2SO3 is its conjugate base HSO3–.
- The conjugate pair of H2O contains H2O and its conjugate base OH–.
H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 intermolecular forces
H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 reaction has the following conjugate pairs,
- Intermolecular forces of attraction between H2O are dipole-dipole interaction and hydrogen bonding.
- H2SO3 and Al2(SO3)3 have ionic bonding between them.
H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 reaction enthalpy
The enthalpy of reaction for H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 reaction is unknown as because the enthalpy of formation of Al2(SO3)3 is unknown. This standard enthalpy of formation of other compounds is:
| Molecules | Reaction enthalpy (in kJ/mol) |
|---|---|
| H2SO3 | -635.55 |
| Al(OH)3 | -1293.18 |
| H2O | -285.83 |
Is H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 a buffer solution
H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 reaction is not a buffer solution as there is no conjugate base for H2SO3.
Is H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 a complete reaction
H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 reaction is a complete reaction and no further steps are left.
Is H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 an exothermic or endothermic reaction
H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 reaction is an endothermic reaction because the reaction enthalpy has a very large value.
Is H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 a redox reaction
H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 reaction is not a redox reaction because the oxidation states of all the atoms remain unchanged during the process.
Is H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 a precipitation reaction
H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 reaction is not a precipitation reaction as no solid products are formed after the completion of the reaction.
Is H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 reversible or irreversible reaction
H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 reaction is an irreversible reaction because energy given to initiate the process cannot be extracted back according to the law of conservation of energy.
Is H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 displacement reaction
H2SO3 + Al(OH)3 reaction is a double displacement reaction where H2 and Al displace each other from their respective compounds to form new products.
Conclusion
In the end, we can conclude that Al(OH)3 and H2SO3 are weak electrolytes and do not ionize completely. Minerals are the main source of H2SO3. Al(OH)3 closely resembles its properties with AlO(OH).
Read more about following H2SO3 facts
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