CIA Demonstration: The Reaction Between Al and Br2 (11.1.5)

Question 1

• The redox reaction between aluminum metal and liquid bromine is exothermic.

Answer 1

• The redox reaction between aluminum metal and liquid bromine is exothermic.

Question 2

• Aluminum is a strong reducing agent, and bromine is a strong oxidizing agent.

Answer 2

• Aluminum is a strong reducing agent, and bromine is a strong oxidizing agent.

Question 3

The enthalpy of formation (∆Hf) for aluminum
bromide (AlBr3) is –572.2 kJ/mol. Therefore, the
redox reaction forming aluminum bromide from
aluminum metal (Al) and liquid bromine (Br2) is
exothermic.

Answer 3

The enthalpy of formation (∆Hf) for aluminum
bromide (AlBr3) is –572.2 kJ/mol. Therefore, the
redox reaction forming aluminum bromide from
aluminum metal (Al) and liquid bromine (Br2) is
exothermic.

Question 4

Aluminum is a strong reducing agent. Aluminum
causes the reduction of other substances, while
being oxidized itself.
Bromine is a strong oxidizing agent. Bromine
causes the oxidation of other substances, while
being reduced itself.
Combining these two reactants results in an
exothermic redox reaction. Aluminum easily gives
up electrons, and bromine easily accepts electrons.

Answer 4

Aluminum is a strong reducing agent. Aluminum
causes the reduction of other substances, while
being oxidized itself.
Bromine is a strong oxidizing agent. Bromine
causes the oxidation of other substances, while
being reduced itself.
Combining these two reactants results in an
exothermic redox reaction. Aluminum easily gives
up electrons, and bromine easily accepts electrons.

Question 5

Oxidation:
2Al -> 2Al3+ + 6e-

Reduction:
3Br2 + 6e- -> 6Br-

2Al3+ + 6Br- -> 2AlBr3

Answer 5

Oxidation:
2Al -> 2Al3+ + 6e-

Reduction:
3Br2 + 6e- -> 6Br-

2Al3+ + 6Br- -> 2AlBr3