Which of the following represents the correct cationic hydrolysis mechanism for the hydrated alumini — Ionic Equilibrium Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Hydrated highly charged metal cations undergo cationic hydrolysis by acting as Bronsted-Lowry acids. The strong polarizing power of the central $Al^{3+}$ ion weakens the O-H bonds of the coordinated water molecules, allowing one to donate a proton to a bulk solvent water molecule: $[Al(H_2O)_6]^{3+} + H_2O \rightleftharpoons [Al(H_2O)_5(OH)]^{2+} + H_3O^+$.