What chemical elements make up Aluminum?

• Due to its high oxidation state, a thin surface layer of aluminum oxide ( Alumina Al2O3), waterproof and adherent, rapidly forms in the air that stops the oxidation process, which provides resistance to corrosion and durability. This matt gray protective layer can be enlarged by electrolysis in the presence of oxalates.

• Aluminum has amphoteric characteristics. This means that it dissolves both in acids (forming aluminum salts) and strong bases (forming aluminates with the anion [Al (OH) 4] -) releasing hydrogen .

• The oxide layer formed on aluminum can dissolve in citric acid to form aluminum citrate .

• The main and almost only oxidation state of aluminum is + III as expected from its three electrons in the valence shell.

Aluminum reacts easily with HCl, NaOH, perchloric, but generally resists corrosion due to rust. However, when there are Cu ++ and Cl– ions, its passivation disappears and it is very reactive.

Alkylaluminums, used in the polymerization of ethylene, are so reactive that they destroy human tissue and produce violent exothermic reactions on contact with air and water. Aluminum oxide is so stable that it is used to obtain other metals from its oxides (Chromium, Manganese, etc.) by the aluminothermic process.