The chemical name for Al2O3 is Aluminium oxide.
Understanding Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3)
Aluminium oxide, with the chemical formula Al2O3, is a significant inorganic compound widely recognized for its diverse applications and robust properties. It is a naturally occurring compound, notably found in mineral forms such as corundum, which includes gemstones like ruby and sapphire.
Common Names and Synonyms for Al2O3
While "Aluminium oxide" is its official chemical name, this versatile compound is known by several other names depending on its form, purity, or application. It is an inorganic chemical reagent with a range of synonyms:
- Aluminium oxide (IUPAC name)
- Alumina (a very common and widely used term, especially in industrial contexts)
- Alpha-Alumina (a specific crystalline phase, often the most stable form)
- Alundum (a commercial name, typically referring to fused alumina used in abrasives)
- Aloxide (another less common name)
These names often refer to the same fundamental chemical composition but might highlight different physical forms or uses.
Key Characteristics and Properties of Aluminium Oxide
Aluminium oxide is highly valued for its exceptional physical and chemical properties. It is typically a hard, white, crystalline solid that exhibits remarkable durability.
- High Melting Point: With a melting point exceeding 2,000 °C (3,700 °F), it is an excellent refractory material.
- Hardness: It is one of the hardest materials known, rated 9 on the Mohs scale, second only to diamond. This makes it ideal for abrasive applications.
- Chemical Inertness: Aluminium oxide is largely unreactive with most chemicals, even at high temperatures, making it stable in various harsh environments.
- Electrical Insulator: It possesses excellent dielectric properties, meaning it does not conduct electricity, which is crucial for electrical components.
- Corrosion Resistance: Its stable nature provides superior resistance to corrosion and wear.
Applications of Aluminium Oxide
The unique combination of properties makes aluminium oxide indispensable across numerous industries. Here are some key applications:
- Abrasives: Due to its extreme hardness, it is widely used in sandpaper, grinding wheels, cutting tools, and polishing compounds.
- Refractory Materials: Its high melting point and chemical stability make it an ideal material for lining furnaces, kilns, and incinerators, protecting them from extreme heat.
- Ceramics: Found in advanced ceramics for various uses, including:
- Spark plug insulators
- High-temperature furnace tubes
- Body armor and ballistic protection
- Cutting tools and wear-resistant components
- Catalyst Support: Its high surface area and porous structure make it an excellent support material for various catalysts in chemical reactions.
- Fillers and Pigments: Used as a filler in plastics and as a white pigment in paints and coatings.
- Medical and Dental: Biocompatible forms are utilized in dental cements, restorative materials, and hip implants due to their inertness and strength.
- Electronics: Employed as an electrical insulator in microchips and other electronic components.
To learn more about Aluminium Oxide's structure, properties, and uses, you can explore detailed resources such as Wikipedia's page on Aluminium oxide.
Chemical Composition of Al2O3
The chemical formula Al2O3 indicates that each molecule of aluminium oxide is composed of two atoms of aluminium (Al) and three atoms of oxygen (O).
| Element | Symbol | Number of Atoms |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | Al | 2 |
| Oxygen | O | 3 |
This stoichiometric ratio defines the compound and its fundamental properties.
