Question

Name the following:

(ii) A compound added to lower the fusion temperature of electrolytic bath in the extraction of Aluminium.

Answer 1

• In the extraction of Aluminium, Cryolite is used to reduce the fusion temperature of an electrolytic bath.

Formula of Cryolite,

${\text{Na}}_{\text{3}}{\text{AlF}}_{\text{6}}$

• Alumina melts at around $2000{}^{\circ }\text{C}$ and is a poor conductor of electricity.

When fused Cryolite and Fluorspar are added, the mix melts at $900{}^{\circ }\text{C}$, and ${\text{Al}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}$ becomes a very good conductor of electricity.