What is the typical ionic charge of aluminum (Al) in its compounds?

• A. +1
• B. -3
• C. +3
• D. +2

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that aluminum (Al) is a metal located in group 13 of the periodic table, which means it typically loses electrons to form positive ions (cations).
2. Determine the number of valence electrons aluminum has. Aluminum has 3 valence electrons because it is in group 13.
3. When aluminum forms compounds, it tends to lose all 3 of its valence electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to the nearest noble gas (neon).
4. Losing 3 electrons results in an ionic charge of +3, so the typical ionic charge of aluminum in its compounds is +3.
5. Therefore, the correct ionic charge for aluminum in its compounds is +3, not +1 or +2, and certainly not -3 since it is a metal that loses electrons.