---
title: "A student investigates the synthesis of an inorganic coagulant commonly used in water purification. The compound forms from aluminum cations and sulfate anions, \\(\\text{SO}_4^{2-}\\). Based on the valence electron configuration of aluminum and the principle of electrical neutrality, what is the chemical formula of the compound?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/119923/"
date_modified: "2026-08-21T08:18:12+00:00"
---

# A student investigates the synthesis of an inorganic coagulant commonly used in water purification. The compound forms from aluminum cations and sulfate anions, \(\text{SO}_4^{2-}\). Based on the valence electron configuration of aluminum and the principle of electrical neutrality, what is the chemical formula of the compound?

A student investigates the synthesis of an inorganic coagulant commonly used in water purification. The compound forms from aluminum cations and sulfate anions, \(\text{SO}_4^{2-}\). Based on the valence electron configuration of aluminum and the principle of electrical neutrality, what is the chemical formula of the compound?

- **A.** \(\text{AlSO}_4\)
- **B.** \(\text{Al}_3\text{SO}_4\)
- **C.** \(\text{Al}_3(\text{SO}_4)_2\)
- **D.** \(\text{Al}_2(\text{SO}_4)_3\)

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/119923/*