Question

How does aluminum give aluminate ion in basic solution?

Answer 1

`"Aluminate"` can be produced by oxidation of `"aluminum metal......."`

Explanation:

`Al(s) + 4HO^(-) rarr Al(OH)_4^(-) + 3e^-` `(i)`

And if aluminum is oxidized, the only species that can be reduced is water to give dihydrogen gas:

`H_2O + e^(-) rarr 1/2H_2(g) + HO^-` `(ii)`

And so we add `(i) +3xx(ii)` and gets..........

`Al(s) +3H_2O(l) + HO^(-) rarr Al(OH)_4^(-) + 3/2H_2(g)uarr`

Aluminum is an amphoteric metal. Use of acid would result in a similar oxidation.