Aluminum chlorhydrate is added to antiperspirants to stop people from sweating. If this compound contains neutral H₂O molecules and Al³⁺, OH^-, and Cl^- ions, and the formula of this compound is Al_x(OH)₅Cl • 2 H₂O, what is the value of x in this formula?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The compound is neutral, so the total positive charge must equal the total negative charge. The positive charge comes from the Al³⁺ ions, and the negative charge comes from the OH^- and Cl^- ions. The formula of the compound is Al_x(OH)₅Cl • 2 H₂O, so there are x Al³⁺ ions, 5 OH^- ions, and 1 Cl^- ion. The total positive charge is 3x, and the total negative charge is 5 + 1 = 6. Therefore, 3x = 6, and x = 2.

Aluminum Chlorhydrate Is Added to Antiperspirants to Stop People from Sweating