Aluminum Sulfide (Al₂S₃)
* Composition: Two aluminum (Al) atoms and three sulfur (S) atoms.
* Ionic Compound: Aluminum is a metal and sulfur is a nonmetal, so they form an ionic bond.
* Properties:
* White crystalline solid
* Highly reactive with water, producing hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S), which has a strong rotten egg smell.
* Used in some chemical reactions and in the production of other aluminum compounds.
Aluminum Sulfate (Al₂(SO₄)₃)
* Composition: Two aluminum (Al) atoms and three sulfate (SO₄) ions.
* Ionic Compound: Aluminum is a metal and the sulfate group (SO₄) is a polyatomic ion, so they form an ionic bond.
* Properties:
* White crystalline solid
* Soluble in water
* Used in various applications:
* Water treatment (coagulation)
* Papermaking
* Fire retardants
* Textile dyeing
Key Differences:
* Anion: Aluminum sulfide contains sulfide ions (S²⁻), while aluminum sulfate contains sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻).
* Reactivity with Water: Aluminum sulfide reacts violently with water, while aluminum sulfate dissolves in water.
* Applications: Their uses are quite different, reflecting their distinct chemical properties.
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