Question

In the reaction 2 Al3 3 O2- -> Al2O3, if starting with 0.15 moles of aluminum ions and 0.25 moles of oxide ions, which is the limiting reactant

Answer 1

Al³⁺

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's consider the following balanced reaction.

2 Al³⁺ + 3 O²⁻ ⇒ Al₂O₃

The theoretical molar ratio (TR) of Al³⁺ to O²⁻ is 2/3 = 0.66:1.

We have 0.15 moles of aluminum ions and 0.25 moles of oxide ions. The experimental molar ratio (ER) is 0.15/0.25 = 0.6:1.

Comparing the TR with the ER, we can establish that the limiting reactant is Al³⁺.