Question

Why is Cryolite added to Alumina during the extraction of Aluminium?

Answer 1

• Cryolite also known as Sodium Hexafluoroaluminate (${\mathbf{Na}}_{\mathbf{3}}{\mathbf{AlF}}_{\mathbf{6}}$) is added to reduce the melting temperature of the mixture.
• The use of molten Cryolite as a solvent decreases the energy given in extracting Aluminium by allowing the ions in Aluminium Oxide (${\mathbf{Al}}_{\mathbf{2}}{\mathbf{O}}_{\mathbf{3}}$) to move freely at a lower temperature.