Final answer:
Aluminum oxide is the compound with the formula Al₂O₃, an electrically neutral ionic compound consisting of aluminum cations (Al³⁺) and oxide anions (O²⁻) in a 2:3 ratio.
Step-by-step explanation:
Name of the Compound Al₂O₃
The compound with the formula Al₂O₃ is known as aluminum oxide. This compound is formed by the combination of aluminum cations, Al³⁺, and oxygen anions, O²⁻. Aluminum oxide is an ionic compound, which requires an electrically neutral structure.
An aluminum ion has a +3 charge, while an oxide ion carries a -2 charge. To maintain electrical neutrality, the formula must balance the total positive and negative charges. Therefore, two aluminum ions with a +3 charge each (providing a total of +6 charge) combine with three oxide ions, each with a -2 charge (amounting to a total of -6 charge). This charge balance gives us the stoichiometric formula Al₂O₃, where aluminum and oxygen combine in the simplest whole number ratio of 2:3.
Aluminum oxide is a significant compound found in various materials such as the gemstone sapphire. It is also used industrially in the production of aluminum and as an abrasive due to its hardness and strength.