Anhydrous aluminium chloride fumes in moist air owing to the formation of: — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Anhydrous aluminum chloride (AlCl3) is a highly hygroscopic covalent compound. Step 2: Upon exposure to moist air, it readily undergoes hydrolysis by reacting with atmospheric water vapor: AlCl3 + 3H2O -> Al(OH)3 + 3HCl. Step 3: The gaseous hydrogen chloride (HCl) produced is highly soluble and reacts with moisture in the air to produce dense, choking white fumes of hydrochloric acid. This corresponds to option (d).