Where could I get the balenced equation for aluminuim salts as an antacid?

Question

Here is the formula I got (there * next to the numbers means there subscripts):

Al*2 (CO*3)*3 + HCl ---> AlCl*3 + H*2O + CO*2

How can I balence that? I tried but the teacher said it wasn't right. The charge of Aluminuim [Al] is +3 and the charge of Chlorine [Cl] is -2. HELP!!!?

Answer 1

Either your teacher has it wrong, or your memory of the conversation is not accurate. Chloride always has a charge of –1, all halides do.

The only time Chlorine does not have a charge of –1 is when it is a free gas (charge of 0) or when it is combined with oxygen. When it is combined with oxygen we call the compound a Hypo chlorite, chlorite, chlorate or hyper chlorate.

How about

2 [Al (CO3)3 + 12 HCl => 4 AlCl3 + 3 H2O + 6 CO2

I started with the carbon, moved to the Oxygen, then the Aluminum and finished with the Hydrogen and Chlorine.