Question

Write the constituents of the electrolyte for the extraction of aluminium.

Answer 1

• Aluminium is extracted from its principle ore Bauxite $\left({\mathrm{Al}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3.2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)$.
• In electrolyte reduction of Bauxite, alumina $\left({\mathrm{Al}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\right)$ along with cryolite $\left({\mathrm{Na}}_3{\mathrm{AlF}}_6\right)$ and fluorspar $\left({\mathrm{CaF}}_2\right)$ is used as electrolyte.
• Cryolite and fluorspar help in lowering the fusion temperature of alumina and enhances the conductivity.

So, alumina, cryolite and fluorspar are the constituents of electrolyte for the extraction of alumina.