Al
26.982Aluminum
Alüminyum
Aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal with atomic number 13. It is the most abundant metal in Earth’s crust and is widely used in aircraft, vehicles, packaging, construction, electrical lines and alloys.
13
26.982 g/mol
[Ne] 3s² 3p¹
2 | 8 | 3
1.61
2.7 g/cm³
660.3 °C
2518.8 °C
Hans Christian Ørsted
Aluminum was first isolated in an impure form by Hans Christian Ørsted in 1825. Its name comes from alum, and the element is also spelled aluminium in many countries.
Aluminum-27
Natural abundance: 100%. The only stable naturally occurring isotope of aluminum.Aluminum-26
Natural abundance: Trace amounts. Half-life: About 717,000 years. Radioactive isotope used in cosmochemistry and dating studies.Al₂O₃
Aluminum OxideHard ceramic material found in alumina and corundum.AlCl₃
Aluminum ChlorideUsed as a catalyst in organic chemistry and industrial processes.Al(OH)₃
Aluminum HydroxideUsed in antacids, water treatment and aluminum compound production.Al₂(SO₄)₃
Aluminum SulfateCoagulant used in water treatment and paper production.Na₃AlF₆
CryoliteHistorically important flux in aluminum extraction.- Aircraft, vehicles and transportation structures because of low density
- Cans, foil, packaging and kitchen utensils
- Window frames, building materials and architectural panels
- Electrical transmission lines and heat exchangers
- Thermite reactions, where aluminum reduces iron oxide to molten iron
- Alloys with copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon and other metals
Aluminum has no known essential biological role. Most aluminum exposure comes from food, water and materials, and aluminum compounds are handled carefully in industrial settings.
- Aluminum forms a thin oxide layer that helps protect it from corrosion.
- Aluminum is the most abundant metal in Earth’s crust.
- The Hall-Héroult process made aluminum much cheaper by producing it through electrolysis of alumina dissolved in molten cryolite.
- Recycling aluminum saves most of the energy required to produce new aluminum from ore.
- Aluminum is spelled aluminium in British and IUPAC-style usage, but aluminum is common in US English.
- Aluminum has atomic number 13 and belongs to group 13.
- Its electron configuration is [Ne] 3s² 3p¹.
- Aluminum hydroxide is amphoteric, meaning it can react with both acids and strong bases.
- Aluminum commonly forms Al³⁺ in ionic compounds.
What is the atomic number of aluminum?
The atomic number of aluminum is 13.
What is the electron configuration of aluminum?
Aluminum has the electron configuration [Ne] 3s² 3p¹.
Is aluminum the same as aluminium?
Yes. Aluminum and aluminium refer to the same element; aluminum is common in US English, while aluminium is common in many other countries.
What is the Hall-Héroult process?
The Hall-Héroult process produces aluminum by electrolyzing alumina dissolved in molten cryolite.
Is aluminum hydroxide amphoteric?
Yes. Aluminum hydroxide is amphoteric, so it can react with both acids and strong bases.
What is aluminum used for?
Aluminum is used in aircraft, vehicles, cans, foil, construction, electrical lines, cookware and lightweight alloys.