Answer: Three carbonate ions are required to bond with aluminum in a neutral ionic compound.
Explanation:
An ionic compound is defined as the compound that is formed by the complete transfer of electrons takes place from one atom (forming cation) to another atom (forming anion).
A neutral ionic compound does not carry any charge on it.
As we know, aluminum is a trivalent atom having valency 3 and forms [tex]Al^{3+}[/tex] ion and carbonate is a divalent polyatomic ion having formula [tex]CO_3^{2-}[/tex].
They both combine to form a neutral ionic compound named aluminum carbonate.
By criss cross method, the chemical formula of aluminum carbonate is [tex]Al_2(CO_3)_3[/tex]
Hence, three carbonate ions are required to bond with aluminum in a neutral ionic compound.
