6D.15 Textbook

[morgan 1I]

Can someone explain why the dissociation reaction is Al(H2O)6 3+(aq) + H2O(l) --> H3O+(aq) + Al(H2O)5OH2+(aq)? I don't understand how AlCl3 got to this equation.

[Inayaa Gulati]

AlCl3 consists of Al3+ and 3Cl- ions since Cl- is neutral it doesn't affect the pH of the salt solution, however, Al3+ being a small highly charged metal cation is acidic in in H2o forming a complex with H2o that is [Al(H2o)6]3+ which donates a proton to water acting as a base.