Aluminium is extracted from alumina ((Al\_2O\_3)) by electro... | Chemistry | SolveeIt

Question

Aluminium is extracted from alumina $(Al_2O_3)$ by electrolysis of a molten mixture of

$Al_2O_3 + HF + NaAlF_4$

$Al_2O_3 + CaF_2 + NaAlF_4$

$Al_2O_3 + Na_3AlF_6 + CaF_2$

$Al_2O_3 + KF + Na_3AlF_6$

Answer

$Al_2O_3 + Na_3AlF_6 + CaF_2$

Explanation

Solution

Alumina, $Al_2O_3$ is a bad conductor of electricity and has very high melting point, so before subjecting to electrolysis, it is mixed with fluorspar $(CaF_2)$ and cryolite $(Na_3AlF_6),$ which lower its melting point and make it more conducting. Mainly $CaF_2$ and $Na_3 Al F_6$ mixed with $Al_2 O_3$ for converting in molten state.

Chemistry Question on General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements

Solution