Question

What is the formula for aluminum sulfite?

A) AlSO₄
B) Al₂(SO₃)₃
C) Al₂(SO₄)₃
D) AlSO₃

Answer 1

The formula for aluminum sulfite is
`Al2(SO3)3`. It contains
`Al3+` and
`SO32- ions` combined in a
`2:3 ratio`. The formula mass of this compound is
`348.33 g/mol`.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formula for aluminum sulfite is
`Al2(SO3)3` (option B).

The formula indicates that it contains
`Al3+ and SO32- ions` combined in .

For purposes of computing a formula mass it is helpful to rewrite the formula in the simpler format
`Al2S3O9`.

The formula mass for this compound is calculated as follows:

`2(Al) + 3(S) + 9(O) = 2(26.98 g/mol) + 3(32.07 g/mol) + 9(16.00 g/mol) = 348.33 g/mol.`