Example of a Compound Formed by the Combination of a Divalent Anion and a Trivalent Cation

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 126 views

Introduction

In chemistry, ions are atoms or groups of atoms that have gained or lost electrons, resulting in a net positive or negative charge. Cations are positively charged ions, while anions are negatively charged ions. The valency of an ion refers to the number of electrons it has gained or lost, which determines its charge. In this article, we will discuss divalent anions and trivalent cations, and provide an example of a compound formed by their combination.

Divalent Anions

A divalent anion is an ion that has a charge of -2. This means that it has gained two electrons, resulting in a net negative charge of two. Some common examples of divalent anions include:

Sulfate (SO42-): This is a common anion found in many compounds, including fertilizers and detergents.
Carbonate (CO32-): This anion is found in many minerals, including limestone and dolostone.
Phosphate (PO43-): This anion is found in many biological systems, including DNA and ATP.

Trivalent Cations

A trivalent cation is an ion that has a charge of +3. This means that it has lost three electrons, resulting in a net positive charge of three. Some common examples of trivalent cations include:

Aluminum (Al3+): This cation is found in many minerals, including bauxite and corundum.
Chromium (Cr3+): This cation is found in many compounds, including pigments and catalysts.
Iron (III) (Fe3+): This cation is found in many compounds, including rust and iron oxide.

Example of a Compound Formed by the Combination of a Divalent Anion and a Trivalent Cation

One example of a compound formed by the combination of a divalent anion and a trivalent cation is aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3). This compound is formed by the combination of two aluminum ions (Al3+) and three sulfate ions (SO42-).

Formula of Aluminum Sulfate

The formula of aluminum sulfate is Al2(SO4)3. This formula indicates that the compound is composed of two aluminum ions and three sulfate ions.

Properties of Aluminum Sulfate

Aluminum sulfate is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It is commonly used as a coagulant in water treatment plants, as well as a mordant in textile dyeing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, divalent anions and trivalent cations are important ions in chemistry that play a crucial role in the formation of many compounds. The combination of a divalent anion and a trivalent cation can result in the formation of a compound with unique properties. In this article, we have discussed the properties of aluminum sulfate, a compound formed by the combination of aluminum ions and sulfate ions.

References

CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th ed. (2016)
Kittel, C., Introduction to Solid State Physics, 8th ed. (2005)
Weast, R. C., CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 56th ed. (1975)

Chemical Formula of Aluminum Sulfate

Al2(SO4)3

Chemical Structure of Aluminum Sulfate

The chemical structure of aluminum sulfate is:

Al2(SO4)3

Physical Properties of Aluminum Sulfate

Appearance: White crystalline solid
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Melting Point: 770°C
Boiling Point: 1000°C

Uses of Aluminum Sulfate

Water Treatment: Aluminum sulfate is commonly used as a coagulant in water treatment plants.
Textile Dyeing: Aluminum sulfate is used as a mordant in textile dyeing.
Paper Manufacturing: Aluminum sulfate is used in the production of paper.
Pharmaceuticals: Aluminum sulfate is used in the production of some pharmaceuticals.

Safety Precautions

Handling: Aluminum sulfate should be handled with care, as it can cause skin irritation and eye damage.
Storage: Aluminum sulfate should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Disposal: Aluminum sulfate should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations.

Conclusion

Q: What is the difference between a divalent anion and a trivalent cation?

A: A divalent anion is an ion that has a charge of -2, while a trivalent cation is an ion that has a charge of +3. This means that a divalent anion has gained two electrons, resulting in a net negative charge of two, while a trivalent cation has lost three electrons, resulting in a net positive charge of three.

Q: What are some common examples of divalent anions?

A: Some common examples of divalent anions include sulfate (SO42-), carbonate (CO32-), and phosphate (PO43-).

Q: What are some common examples of trivalent cations?

A: Some common examples of trivalent cations include aluminum (Al3+), chromium (Cr3+), and iron (III) (Fe3+).

Q: What is the formula of aluminum sulfate?

A: The formula of aluminum sulfate is Al2(SO4)3. This formula indicates that the compound is composed of two aluminum ions and three sulfate ions.

Q: What are the physical properties of aluminum sulfate?

A: Aluminum sulfate is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It has a melting point of 770°C and a boiling point of 1000°C.

Q: What are the uses of aluminum sulfate?

A: Aluminum sulfate is commonly used as a coagulant in water treatment plants, as well as a mordant in textile dyeing. It is also used in the production of paper and some pharmaceuticals.

Q: What safety precautions should be taken when handling aluminum sulfate?

A: Aluminum sulfate should be handled with care, as it can cause skin irritation and eye damage. It should be stored in a cool, dry place and disposed of in accordance with local regulations.

Q: What are some other compounds that can be formed by the combination of a divalent anion and a trivalent cation?

A: Some other compounds that can be formed by the combination of a divalent anion and a trivalent cation include chromium sulfate (Cr2(SO4)3) and iron (III) sulfate (Fe2(SO4)3).

Q: What are some common applications of divalent anions and trivalent cations?

A: Divalent anions and trivalent cations are used in a variety of applications, including water treatment, textile dyeing, paper manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.

Q: What are some potential hazards associated with divalent anions and trivalent cations?

A: Divalent anions and trivalent cations can cause skin irritation and eye damage if not handled properly. They can also be toxic if ingested or inhaled.

Q: How can divalent anions and trivalent cations be safely disposed of?

A: Divalent anions and trivalent cations should be disposed of in accordance with local regulations. This may involve recycling or disposing of them in a hazardous waste facility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, divalent anions and trivalent cations are important ions in chemistry that play a crucial role in the formation of many compounds. They have unique properties and are used in a variety of applications, including water treatment, textile dyeing, and paper manufacturing. However, they should be handled with care and disposed of in accordance with local regulations.