How Do You Balance the Equation for Copper (II) Chloride Dihydrate and Aluminum?

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SUMMARY

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between Copper (II) Chloride dihydrate (CuCl2 ∙ 2H2O) and aluminum (Al) is 3 CuCl2 ∙ 2H2O + 2 Al --> 2 AlCl3 + 3 Cu + 6 H2O. The initial attempt incorrectly suggested a coefficient of 2 for H2O, but the correct stoichiometry requires a coefficient of 6 due to the presence of three dihydrate molecules. This clarification ensures the conservation of mass and proper balancing of the equation.

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Homework Statement


Copper (II) Chloride dihydrate is mixed with solid aluminum. Find the products and balance the equation.


Homework Equations


N/A


The Attempt at a Solution


The original equation that I got was:
CuCl2 ∙ 2H2O + Al --> AlCl3 + Cu + H2O
When I balanced it, I got:
3 CuCl2 ∙ 2H2O + 2 Al --> 2 AlCl3 + 3 Cu + 2 H2O
but I'm unsure about that. I am just wondering if the H2O at the end of the equation should have a coefficient of 6 because 3 [CuCl2 ∙ 2 H2O] were needed. So then the equation would be:
3 CuCl2 ∙ 2H2O + 2 Al --> 2 AlCl3 + 3 Cu + 6 H2O instead?
I do not know which one is correct. Please help me!
 
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Should be 6.

Note that CuCl2.2H2O is equivalent to CuCl2(H2O)2 or even CuCl2H4O2.
 
Ohh OKAY! Thanks so much!
 

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