Question

Molten $AlC{l}_3$ is a poor conductor of electricity while hydrated $AlC{l}_3$ is a very good conductor. How do you account for this? Also explain the
nature of bonding in the product.

Answer 1

1.Aluminium chloride($AlC{l}_3$) is a solid and do not conduct electricity due to the absence of free electrons.

2.$AlC{l}_3$ in molten state also is a poor conductor of electricity as it loses its ionic character where as $AlC{l}_3$ in aqueous state is a good conductor of electricity as it readily dissolves in water and forms ions ($A{l}^{+3}andC{l}^{-}$)

3.In water, $A{l}^{+3}andC{l}^{-}$ forms hydrated ions and gain stability as they release hydration energy and can conduct electricity.

3.Nature of bond in $AlC{l}_3$ is ionic with high covalent nature and in molten state its covalent in nature and in aqueous state its ionic in nature.