Aluminium and Bleaching What Happens?

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SUMMARY

Dipping aluminium into a bleaching solution containing hypochlorite ions (OCl-) can lead to a chemical reaction where aluminium acts as a reducing agent. This reaction produces aluminium hypochlorite and releases electrons, potentially resulting in the formation of chlorine gas, which is toxic. The consensus among forum participants is to avoid such experiments at home due to the risks associated with chemical reactions involving metals and bleach.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chemical reactions involving metals and reducing agents
  • Knowledge of hypochlorite ions and their properties
  • Familiarity with the concept of electron transfer in redox reactions
  • Awareness of the hazards associated with chlorine gas
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the chemical properties of hypochlorite ions and their reactions with metals
  • Study the safety protocols for handling household bleach and reactive metals
  • Learn about the effects of bleach on different types of metals
  • Investigate the formation of chlorine gas and its implications for health and safety
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, safety professionals, and anyone interested in the chemical interactions between household products and metals.

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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