Question

What is the reaction between `CuCl_2`, and aluminum metal to give copper metal and `AlCl_3`?

Answer 1

`3CuCl_2(aq) +2Al(s) rarr 2AlCl_3(aq) + 3Cu(s)darr`

Explanation:

`Al rarr Al^(3+) + 3e^-`; oxidation.

`CuCl_2(aq) +2e^(-) rarr Cu(s)darr + 2Cl^-`; reduction.

We cross-mulitply to remove the electrons.

`3CuCl_2(aq) +2Al(s) rarr 2AlCl_3(aq) + 3Cu(s)darr`

A sheet of aluminum place in copper sulfate solution would rapidly acquire a coppery surface as the copper metal reduced.