How do you balance Al + CuCl_2 -> AlCl_3 + Cu?

1 Answer
Apr 13, 2018

Well this is a redox reaction....

Explanation:

Aluminum is oxidized to Al^(3+).

Al(s) rarr Al^(3+) + 3e^(-) (i)

And cupric ion is reduced to zerovalent copper....

Cu^(2+) + 2e^(-) rarr Cu(s) (ii)

We cross multiply to remove the electrons....2xx(i)+3xx(ii)

2Al(s)+ 3Cu^(2+) + 6e^(-) rarr 3Cu(s)+2Al^(3+) + 6e^(-)

...to give finally...

2Al(s)+ 3Cu^(2+) rarr 3Cu(s)+2Al^(3+)

This reaction is spontaneous as written, given that aluminum is higher on the activity table.....

And so see what happens when you add some aluminum foil to a solution of copper nitrate? The foil will disintergrate....