What is the Difference Between Aluminate and Meta Aluminate?

The key difference between aluminate and meta aluminate is that aluminate is an oxide anion, whereas meta aluminate is a hydroxide anion. Here are the main differences between the two:

• Atomic Composition: Aluminate anion has only oxygen atoms in association with aluminum atoms, whereas meta aluminate contains both hydrogen and oxygen atoms in association with aluminum atoms.
• Chemical Formula: The chemical formula of aluminate is AlO4–, while the chemical formula of meta aluminate is Al(OH)4–.
• Molar Mass: The molar mass of aluminate is 91 g/mol, while the molar mass of meta aluminate is 95 g/mol.
• Oxyanion vs. Hydrated Oxyanion: Aluminate is an oxyanion, while meta aluminate is a hydrated oxyanion.

In the context of sodium aluminate and sodium meta aluminate, the term "meta" refers to the least hydrated form of sodium aluminate. Sodium meta aluminate forms when two water molecules are associated with the sodium aluminate chemical compound, making it a dihydrated form.

Comparative Table: Aluminate vs Meta Aluminate

The main difference between aluminate and meta aluminate is that aluminate is an oxide anion, whereas meta aluminate is a hydroxide anion. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between the two:

In summary, aluminate and meta aluminate are two related anionic forms, with the key difference being the type of anion they are: oxide or hydroxide. The most common compounds containing these anions are sodium aluminate (NaAlO2) and sodium meta aluminate (NaAl(OH)4), respectively.