University of Illinois at Chicago Hall Heroult process Aluminum Question
Assignment 2
Student Name:___________________________
Aluminum has become one of the most important metals in modern times. Despite the fact that it is the
third most abundant element in the earth’s crust, it was not until recently that an economical method of
production was discovered. Read the following article:
https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/aluminumprocess.html
In the section titled “How Aluminum Products are Produced” there is a description of four steps in the
production process. For each of these steps, write the important chemical reaction(s) for that step. In
each case, if the reaction is a redox reaction, identify the oxidizing and reduction agents and the
oxidation number of Aluminum. (There is a fifth step that covers recycling, but you don’t need to include
that step). You can use any sources that you deem necessary.
