What Happens When Aluminum Reacts with Copper Chloride Dihydrate?

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SUMMARY

The reaction between aluminum and copper chloride dihydrate in water results in the formation of copper ions and a bluish-green solution. Upon adding aluminum, the mixture exhibits boiling, indicating the production of gas, likely hydrogen, as aluminum reacts with copper chloride. The precipitate observed at the bottom of the mixture is primarily copper metal, formed as a result of the reduction of copper ions during the reaction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Chemical reaction principles, specifically oxidation-reduction reactions
  • Understanding of copper chloride dihydrate and its properties
  • Knowledge of aluminum's reactivity with halides
  • Familiarity with laboratory procedures and safety protocols
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the chemical equation for the reaction between aluminum and copper chloride dihydrate
  • Learn about the properties and behavior of hydrogen gas in chemical reactions
  • Explore the process of precipitation in chemical reactions and its significance
  • Study the role of oxidation-reduction in metal displacement reactions
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Chemistry students, educators, and laboratory technicians interested in understanding metal displacement reactions and the properties of aluminum and copper compounds.

Imparcticle
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We just did a lab in chemistry. My question is in regards to what chemically happened in the lab. this is what happened macroscopically:

procedures:
1.) Copper Chloride Dihydrate is put into water.
2.) One aluminum ball (regular Al that u can get in stores) is put inside this mixuture (1) after it is mixed.

Observations:
after 1 has been mixed, it becomes a bluish green color and continues to get darker.
after number 2, the Al sort of causes the mixture to boil and it slowly becomes disintegrated. There are tiny parts of it at the bottom of the mixture.

My teacher says that there were copper ions.
 
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"boiling" are you sure this is not the production of gas?

What do you suppose that the precipitate is at the bottom of the mixture?

try referring to your lab manual for additional hints, I'm sure that there is enough information.
 

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