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QuestionChemistry

What is the formula for aluminum acetate? Is it ionic or covalent?
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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step:

Step 2:
: Identify the Composition

- Aluminum is a metal (Al³⁺) - Acetate is a polyatomic ion (CH₃COO⁻)

Step 3:
: Determine the Ionic Charges

- Aluminum ion: $$Al^{3+}
- Acetate ion: CH_{3}COO^{-}

Step 4:
: Balance the Charges

- We need 3 acetate ions to balance 1 aluminum ion - This ensures the overall charge is neutral

Step 5:
: Write the Chemical Formula

- The formula for aluminum acetate is $$Al(CH_{3}COO)_{3}

Step 6:
: Classify the Compound

- Aluminum acetate is an ionic compound - Reason: It's formed between a metal (aluminum) and a polyatomic ion (acetate) - Characteristics of ionic compounds: * Formed between a metal and a non-metal * Electrons are transferred, not shared * Typically form crystal lattice structures

Final Answer

- Formula: Al(CH_{3}COO)_{3} - Type: Ionic compound