Reaction of Aluminum and Bromine
Description: In a darkened room, small pieces of aluminum foil added to liquid bromine produce flashes of light and small flames.
This Demonstration is also available on video and JCE software: “Chemistry Comes Alive” Vol. 3 CD-ROM
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol. 1 Page: 68
Keywords: Aluminum, Bromine, Foil, Flame
Rating: 
Hazard: Medium
- Acute toxicity hazard – inhalation
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Serious eye damage
- Acute aquatic toxicity hazard
- Flammable solids
- Substances and mixture which in contact with water, emit flammable gases
Effectiveness: Good
- Results are clearly observable to audience without guidance
- Clear contrast between system behavior
- High reliability
- Time to results is medium
- Primary effects are observed
Difficulty: Medium
- Simple procedures
- Some concerted manipulations
- Use of toxic reagents
Safety Precautions:
- Downdraft hood recommended
- Well-ventilated area required
- Eye protection required
- Gloves required
- Lab coat recommended
- Absorbent material present
- 10% Sodium thiosulfate solution on hand.
- Avoid release of reagents to the environment
Class: Main Group Chemistry, Atoms and Molecules, Ionic Bonding
Division: General
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