Question

Aluminium chloride exists as a dimer, `Al_(2)Cl_(6)` in solid state as well as in solution of non-polar solvents such as benzene. When dissolved in water, it gives :
A. `Al^(3+) + 3Cl^(Ө)`
B. `Al_(2)O_(3) + 6HCl`
C. `[Al(H_(2)O)_(6)]^(3+) + 3Cl^(Ө)`
D. `[Al(OH)_(6)]^(3-) + 3HCl`.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - C
The dimeric form `Al_(2)Cl_(6)` is retained in non-polar solvent but is broken into `[Al(H_(2)O)_(6)]Cl_(3)` on dissolution in water due to high heat of hydration.