Here's what happens:
* Formation of Aluminum Hydroxide: Aluminum nitrate reacts with ammonia to form aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃), which is an insoluble white precipitate.
* Reaction Equation:
```
Al(NO₃)₃(aq) + 3NH₃(aq) + 3H₂O(l) → Al(OH)₃(s) + 3NH₄NO₃(aq)
```
* Explanation:
* Aluminum ions (Al³⁺) from aluminum nitrate react with hydroxide ions (OH⁻) generated from ammonia in the presence of water.
* This reaction forms a solid aluminum hydroxide precipitate, which is why you see a white cloudiness in the solution.
* The ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) remains dissolved in the solution.
Important Notes:
* The reaction is reversible, meaning that aluminum hydroxide can react with excess ammonia to form a soluble complex ion, [Al(NH₃)₆]³⁺. However, the formation of aluminum hydroxide precipitate is dominant in typical reaction conditions.
* The reaction is often used to test for the presence of aluminum ions.
Let me know if you have any other questions!