21.2.4 CIA Demonstration: The Reaction Between Al and Br2

Question 1

CIA Demonstration: The Reaction Between Al and Br 2

Answer 1

• The redox reaction between aluminum metal and liquid bromine is exothermic.
• Aluminum is a strong reducing agent, and bromine is a strong oxidizing agent.

Question 2

note

Answer 2

• The enthalpy of formation ( H f ) for aluminum bromide
  (AlBr 3 ) is –572.2 kJ/mol. Therefore, the redox reaction
  forming aluminum bromide from aluminum metal (Al) and liquid bromine (Br 2 ) is exothermic.
• Aluminum is a strong reducing agent. Aluminum causes the reduction of other substances, while being oxidized itself.
• Bromine is a strong oxidizing agent. Bromine causes the oxidation of other substances, while being reduced itself.
• Combining these two reactants results in an exothermic redox reaction. Aluminum easily gives up electrons, and bromine easily accepts electrons.