Aluminium, like in LiAlH4, is neutral when it has __ bonds. When it has __ bonds, it bears a negative charge.

In the context of aluminum, specifically within compounds like lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4), the oxidation state of aluminum is key to determining its charge based on the types of bonds it forms.

Aluminum typically has an oxidation state of +3 when it forms three bonds. In this configuration, it often shares its electrons and interacts with electronegative atoms (like hydrogen in LiAlH4). Thus, when aluminum is involved in three bonds, it is neutral because it has an oxidation state of zero when considering its valence electron behavior—aluminum does not bear a positive charge in this specific bonding arrangement.

On the other hand, when aluminum forms four bonds rather than three, its bonding can lead to a scenario where it has gained an additional electron or where it behaves as though it is accepting extra electron density, influencing its effective charge. In certain complex species, such as those involving coordination with ligands, aluminum can behave as if it has a negative charge. Hence, it is indicated that when it has four bonds, it can bear a negative charge.

Understanding the relationship between the number of bonds and the oxidation state is critical. More bonds typically mean potential for varied oxidation states, which can lead to configurations of positive or negative charges depending