What is the product of this combination reaction? #Al(s) + I_2(s) ->#?

1 Answer
Mar 1, 2017

See this link for an excellent video.

Explanation:

Aluminum is oxidized by iodine according to the following reaction:

#Al(s) + 3/2I_2(s) rarr AlI_3(s)#

While a subvalent aluminum iodide is known, the material you would put into a bottle is #"aluminium(III) iodide"#. Like the chloride, #AlI_3# is dimeric in the solid state to give #Al_2I_6#, i.e. #{I_2Al}_2(mu-I)_2#.