This element, which has 13 electrons and 13 protons, is a non-ferromagnetic metal that is among the first three most common elements in the earth’s crust. It is considered the most abundant on the moon and the earth.
Among its properties that distinguish it are its great resistance to corrosion and its low density with 2700 kg/m3. Likewise, its mechanical resistance can be increased thanks to alloys reaching 690 MPa.
This element has an excellent ability to conduct heat and electricity, is very inexpensive and can be machined very easily. It was discovered by HC Oersted who first isolated it in 1825.
Aluminum Electron structure.
The 13 protons that aluminum has, which form the nucleus of the atom, are surrounded by 13 electrons, the latter occupying energy levels up to 3p, which are distributed as follows:
1s22s22p63s23p1
- In the first energy level (1s), there are two electrons, thus leaving 11 electrons to cover the other orbitals.
- In the energy level (2s), aluminum has two electrons, leaving 9 to cover the other energy orbitals.
- In the energy level (2p) 6 electrons are grouped together, subtracting three electrons for the other orbitals.
- At the 3s energy level, it is occupied by two electrons, leaving only one energy electron.
- In the last energy level (3p) is the remaining electron, taking into account that this level can contain a maximum of 6 electrons when working with other types of elements.
Aluminum is in the third period, so the noble gas Ne corresponds to it, which represents 10 electrons, following the rule of the diagonals, level 3 follows, 2 electrons in the sublevel s then level 3 continues, a electron in sublevel p complete 13.
It has a valence of 3 and its first three electrons have an ionization energy of approximately 577.5, 1816.7 and 2744.8 kJ/mol. It also has two isotopes 27Al and 26Al. The first of these isotopes is characterized by its stability, unlike the second, which tends to be much more radioactive and has a half-life of approximately 7.2 x105 years. Aluminum also has seven other isotopes whose weight varies between 23 and 30 mass units.
The 26Al isotope is created from argon when it is bombarded by energetic radiation from cosmic rays, which act on aluminum nuclei.
This chemical element exhibits three ionic radii in its +3 oxidation state, following in this case the coordination number of the atom.
Its valence shell has a total of 3 electrons, so its normal oxidation state is III, a point that causes it to react with atmospheric oxygen, quickly creating a very thin, dull gray layer of Al2O3 alumina, which will coat the entire material that creates insulation. against corrosion, but in contact with citric acid, it can dissolve very easily.
This element dissolves easily with bases and acids and reacts at the same time with sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid with great ease.
