Prove the amphotericity of AL (OH) 3.
We know that amphoteric substances are substances that can react equally well with both alkalis and acids. Consider aluminum hydroxide, which has the chemical formula Al (OH) 3. In order to understand whether it belongs to amphoteric substances, we need to build the reactions of its interaction with both a base and an acid.
With base: interaction with potassium hydroxide. A complex substance is formed potassium tetrahydroxoaluminate.
The molecular equation of the reaction can be written as follows:
Al (OH) 3 + KOH = K [Al (OH) 4].
With acid: reaction with hydrochloric acid. Aluminum chloride salt is formed as a result of interaction and water is released. The molecular equation of the reaction can be written as follows:
Al (OH) 3 + 3 HCl = AlCl3 + 3 H2O
Having carried out these two reaction equations, we can say that aluminum hydroxide belongs to amphoteric substances.