What is the name of the compound with the formula AlI3 ?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The compound with the formula AlI3 is called aluminum iodide.
Aluminum iodide is an ionic compound formed by the combination of aluminum (Al) and iodine (I) atoms. It consists of aluminum cations (Al³⁺) and iodide anions (I⁻). In this compound, aluminum, which is a metal, loses three electrons to form a positively charged ion (Al³⁺). Iodine, a non-metal, gains one electron to form a negatively charged ion (I⁻). These oppositely charged ions are held together by electrostatic forces in a typical ionic bond.
Aluminum iodide has a molecular formula of AlI3, indicating that each aluminum ion is bonded to three iodide ions. In its solid state, aluminum iodide forms a polymeric structure, which is different from a simple molecular structure. The ionic bonds between Al³⁺ and I⁻ ions are very strong, which leads to high melting points and a crystalline structure in solid aluminum iodide.
Aluminum iodide is typically prepared by reacting iodine with aluminum in an anhydrous environment because aluminum reacts readily with moisture. It is also known for being hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb water from the atmosphere. In the presence of moisture, aluminum iodide may hydrolyze, forming aluminum hydroxide and hydroiodic acid.
This compound has a wide range of uses, including in the synthesis of organic compounds in the chemical industry and in reactions where aluminum acts as a Lewis acid. Because of its strong ionic bonds and reactivity, aluminum iodide is useful in various industrial and laboratory applications, particularly where halides or aluminum salts are needed.