Geometry of Aluminium Chloride in Aqueous Solution | JEE Main Coordination Chemistry

Geometry of Aluminium Chloride in Acidified Aqueous Solution

Question:
Aluminium chloride in acidified aqueous solution forms an ion having geometry:

(A) Square planar
(B) Octahedral
(C) Trigonal bipyramidal
(D) Tetrahedral

Correct Answer: Octahedral

Explanation

In aqueous solution, aluminium chloride dissociates to form Al3+ ions.

In acidified aqueous medium, Al3+ strongly coordinates with six water molecules to form the complex ion:

[Al(H2O)6]3+

This complex has a coordination number of 6.

According to coordination chemistry, a coordination number of 6 corresponds to an octahedral geometry.

Hence, aluminium chloride in acidified aqueous solution forms an octahedral ion.

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