Atomic number 13
Aluminum
Post-transition metal
In the real world
Quick facts
- Atomic mass
- 26.982
- Group
- 13
- Period
- 3
- State (STP)
- solid
- Electronegativity
- 1.61
- Common ox. states
- +3
Properties
Electron configuration
[Ne] 3s² 3p¹
- Ionization energy
- 577.5 kJ/mol
- Electron affinity
- 41.8 kJ/mol
- Melting point
- 933.47 K (660.3 °C)
- Boiling point
- 2792.00 K (2518.8 °C)
How dangerous is it?
1/5 · Low risk
As the everyday metal in foil, cans, and bike frames it is safe to handle. The only catch is the very fine powder.
- FlammableImmediate
A cloud of extremely fine aluminum powder has so much surface area that it can ignite quickly. (as a fine powder, not the solid foil, can, or bar)
The powder is kept away from flame and open air; the solid metal needs no special care.
How it bonds
Aluminum loses 3 electrons to form Al³⁺ in salts (AlCl₃, Al₂O₃) but its small size and high charge make many "ionic" aluminum compounds quite covalent - AlCl₃ is a famous Lewis acid. Like boron, aluminum can form 3 bonds and remain electron-deficient.
Where you meet it
- Periodic Quest challengeunlock card
