I have recently constructed a crude apparatus that isolates the H
2 gas from the following formula:
2Al(s) + 6HCl(aq)
2AlCl
3(aq) + 3H
2(g)
What's far more interesting to me though is the reaction itself. Naturally, I did a little research before I considered carrying this reaction out in my backyard and noticed that solutions of Aluminum (III) Chloride are known to appear clear and colorless (or clear and faintly yellow due to ppm of Fe impurities). My product solution was
grey and completely cloudy.
Afterwards I looked into possible products that would make the solution grey and completely cloudy and found that Al(OH)
3 could potentially give off such a color in access amounts. However, I seriously doubt that Al(OH)
3 was formed in an acidic solution (and yes, the solution is still quite acidic after a standardized amount of added aluminum foil has completely reacted).
I also considered Al
2O
3 as the mystery product but the only way I understand it can be formed in my system is by substantial heating (~400°C according to Wikipedia) of the Al(OH)
3, and although this reaction is very exothermic, I seriously doubt this is happening, especially considering I keep the temperature of the glass reaction vessel regulated by a cool water bath. It is also worthy of note that my source of aluminum is store-bought aluminum foil and my acid is commercial Klean Strip brand.
Does anybody know what this mystery compound is? Is there any possible way Al(OH)
3 could be produced? Is AlCl
3 even a product? An expert's opinion/explanation would be greatly appreciated.