Aluminium and Bleaching What Happens?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of dipping aluminium into a bleaching solution containing hypochlorite ions. Participants explore the potential chemical reactions, safety concerns, and the implications for different types of metals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the safety of conducting experiments with household bleach and metals, suggesting the possibility of producing poisonous gases like chlorine gas.
  • Another participant notes that the type of metal may influence the reaction with bleach, indicating that reactive metals like aluminium could be particularly problematic.
  • A participant references a textbook to discuss the chemical interaction between hypochlorite ions and aluminium, proposing a reaction that may not be disastrous but raises concerns about potential damage to metal structures.
  • There is uncertainty about the specific types of metals that should be avoided with bleach, with some suggesting that it may apply to all reactive metals.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of concern about the interaction between bleach and metals, with no consensus on the safety or outcomes of such experiments. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific reactions and safety implications.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the lack of specific information about which metals are safe or unsafe to use with bleach, and there is ambiguity regarding the chemical reactions that may occur.

KLscilevothma
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I would like to ask what will happen if I dip a piece of metal like aluminium into bleaching solution, which contains hyprochlorite ions?
 
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Simple enough to find out, no?
 
few days ago in newspaper, it said that we should avoid household bleach in contact with metal. I don't know why though. I think i shan't do experiments like this at home. I guess poisounous gas like chlorine gas may produce but I'm not sure.
 
it has metal in it, should it avoid itself?
 
I'm referring to metals, not metal ions.
 
Originally posted by KL Kam
few days ago in newspaper, it said that we should avoid household bleach in contact with metal. I don't know why though. I think i shan't do experiments like this at home. I guess poisounous gas like chlorine gas may produce but I'm not sure.
Did it say what kind of metal? I would think it depends on what kind of bleaching solution you have and what kind of metal you put in it.
It's probably wise not to try it at home without finding out more.
 
It didn't mention what kind of metal shouldn't be put in household bleach, so I guess it refers to any kind of metal, at least the reactive ones like aluminium. According to my textbook, the active ingredient in household bleach is hyprochlorite ion,OCl-

hyprochlorite ion + metal (for example Aluminium)
OCl- + Al

(metals are strong reducing agents and they tends to loss electrons)

3OCl- + Al ------> Al(OCl)3 + 3e- ??
not a disastrous reaction!

I start to think in another direction. Is it because household bleach can damage metals and their structure, like damaging window frames?
 

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