The Student Room Group
Uni students - Complete our survey >>
Uni students - Complete our survey >>
Uni students - Complete our survey >>

chemistry, metal oxides

why does aluminium oxide have a lower melting point than magnesium oxide?
Is it because aluminium oxide has more covalent character?
If so, how does that got to do with the melting point?
Many thanks.
I think you're correct. It would be good to look at the periodic table and see that Oxygen and Aluminium are closer in Electronegativity compared to Magnesium and Oxygen. Resulting in aluminium oxide having a more covalent character. I think the lower boiling point is a result of more weak intermolecular forces present in covalent substances.
Original post by LazLo_
why does aluminium oxide have a lower melting point than magnesium oxide?
Is it because aluminium oxide has more covalent character?
If so, how does that got to do with the melting point?
Many thanks.

It is more likely due to efficient packing in MgO with an equal number of positive and negative ions.This allows for a more ordered lattice.

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you