| MadSci Network: Chemistry |
Was your water degassed? Is the reacton between CuCl2(aq) and Al(0) as simple as you hint? What about reduction to insoluble CuCl, formation of CuClx complex anions (for both Cu(I) and Cu(II)), hydrolysis of AlCl3 (which isn't the solution species in any case), reaction of a clean aluminum surface with water (as opposed to the usual oxide-passivated surface), the formation of a Cu/Al electrolytic cell... Was it pure aluminum? Aluminum foil is an alloy with significant amounts of iron, manganese, and silicon in it. I'd check the flammability again - my guess is hydrogen. There is a classic if now politically incorrect experiment whereby an aluminum bar is vigorously abraded with fine sandpaper to remove passivating oxide and immediately plunged into slightly acidified aqueous mercury(II) nitrate. The surface rapidly amalgamates and is pulled from the solution and dabbed dry. Unlike the interface with aluminum metal, aluminum oxide does not tighty adhere to the amalgam protecting it from further attack by oxygen. White flakes spall off as the metal progresively disintegrates before your eyes. Aluminum is mighty reactive stuff and a powerful reducing agent if its surface is kept clean. Consider Thermite. Uncle Al!
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