In corundum, Oxide ions are arranged in hexagonal close packing and Aluminium ions occupy two-third of the octahedral voids. What is the formula of corundum
In corundum, Oxide ions are arranged in hexagonal close packing and Aluminium ions occupy two-third of the octahedral voids. What is the formula of corundum?
Answer:
Number of oxide ions (O-2) in the HCP arrangement = 6 atoms
As we know, if the number of atoms in the arrangement is ‘N’ then the number of octahedral voids will be ‘N’.
2/3rd of the tetrahedral voids are occupied by Aluminium atoms ‘Al’, So, number of Al-atoms = 2/3 × 6 = 4 atoms
Hence, the simplest formula of compound is Al4O6 or Al2O3
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