Chemistry experiment 46 - Flaming Flask

Aluminium by itself is a very reactive metal. However, aluminium is oxidized when exposed to air, forming a thin layer of protective aluminium oxide on its surface.

When some aluminium foil is added to a solution of copper(II) chloride in concentrated hydrochloric acid, the layer of aluminium oxide will be destroyed by chloride ions.

Al2O3 + 2Cl- + 3H2O → 2[Al(OH)2Cl] + 2OH-

The exposed aluminium metal reacts with hydrochloric acid, producing hydrogen gas.

2Al + 6H3O+ → 2Al3+ + 6H2O + 3H2

Hydrogen gas can be ignited.

The color of the flame is blue/green due to the presence of Cu2+ ions.

Hazards:
- Hydrochloric acid is very corrosive

[tedrik]

Very Nice, performing it in school tomorrow for my mates Thank You :D

[TastewithTadka]

Thank you so much..I have done this experiment in a competition (smoke in lab)live experiment..and won first prize

[EdwardTriesToScience]

isn't hydrogen supposed to burn orange, or is it because of the copper chloride?

[sravanichowdary]

What is the advantage for this experiment?

[techtimes]

Equation is wrong, hydrogen should react with oxygen to form water

[eunaekim]

If you absolutely must try this at home, be sure to do it outdoors. Also, don't do it if you live in New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada or southern Colorado or Utah. You're just too dry to be safe there.

[rajeshshahi]

Well it reacts cupric chloride as well.

[deek]

Commenting on this video so that everyone else gets in their recommendation

[bwdoggrooming]

Aw, I remember doing this one in high school!

[nurnur]

yooo help me i need the dependent variable

[المهديعليهالسّلام-بي]

, cest moi qui a dis laluminium sobtien avec laluminum

[shoaibgulshan]

come to afghanistan and do some expirements to that students .