Aluminum Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid

2Al + 6HCl → 2AlCl₃ + 3H₂

Overview

Aluminum reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce aluminum chloride and hydrogen gas. The reaction requires the initial dissolution of the protective aluminum oxide layer, after which it proceeds vigorously. The reaction generates significant heat and rapid hydrogen evolution.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Aluminum Al	2	(s)
Reactant	Hydrochloric Acid HCl	6	(aq)
Product	Hydrogen H	3	(g)

Everyday Example

Aluminum foil dissolving in muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) demonstrates this reaction, though it should only be done with proper safety equipment.

Industrial Importance

Aluminum chloride is an important Lewis acid catalyst used in Friedel-Crafts reactions in organic chemistry and petroleum refining.

Properties

Type: Single Replacement
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -1049.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite) Aluminum Reducing Chromium Oxide (Aluminothermic) Calcium Reacting with Water Carbon Reducing Iron Oxide in Blast Furnace Chlorine Displacing Bromine from Sodium Bromide Chlorine Displacing Iodine from Potassium Iodide Copper Displacing Silver from Silver Nitrate Fluorine Displacing Chlorine from Sodium Chloride Hydrogen Reducing Copper Oxide Iron Displacing Copper from Copper Sulfate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Aluminum Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid?

The balanced equation is: 2Al + 6HCl → 2AlCl₃ + 3H₂.

What type of reaction is Aluminum Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid?

Aluminum Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid is a single replacement reaction.

Is Aluminum Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid exothermic or endothermic?

Aluminum Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -1049.0 kJ/mol.