Chemistry: The Molecular Science (5th Edition)

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1285199049
ISBN 13: 978-1-28519-904-7

Chapter 14 - Acids and Bases - Questions for Review and Thought - Topical Questions - Page 652d: 70a

Answer

The pH of an $AlCl_3$ solution will be less than 7. This happens because, this salt is formed by a Lewis acid $(Al^{3+})$ and three negligible bases $(Cl^-)$, therefore, the solution is acidic.

Work Step by Step

To predict the pH range of an salt: 1. Identify the ions that form this salt, and compare its strengths: 1 $Al^{3+}$: Lewis acid. 3 $Cl^-$: Insignificant base. Therefore: $Al^{3+}$ is the stronger electrolyte, so, the solution is acidic.
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