The extraction of aluminum metal from the aluminum hydroxide
Last updated: 8/5/2022
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The extraction of aluminum metal from the aluminum hydroxide found in bauxite by the Hall-Héroult process is one of the most remarkable success stories of 19th century chemistry, turning aluminum from a rare and precious metal into the cheap commodity it is today. In the first step, aluminum hydroxide reacts to form alumina (Al₂O,) and water: 2Al(OH), (s) Al₂O, (s) + 3H₂O(g) In the second step, alumina (Al₂O3) and carbon react to form aluminum and carbon dioxide: 2Al₂O3(s) + 3C(s) 4Al(s) 3 CO₂ (g) Suppose the yield of the first step is 89.% and the yield of the second step is 80.%. Calculate the mass of aluminum hydroxide required to make 6.0 kg of aluminum. Be sure your answer has a unit symbol, if needed, and is rounded to 2 significant digits.