Question

The Reactions Between Bromine and Antimony or Aluminum: In the hood, small pieces of aluminum foil and antimony will be added to bromine under standard conditions. The bromine is in a flask with a narrow neck. Placing a beaker having a 1M aqueous solution of sodium thiosulfate nearby when performing the reaction.

a) Provide balanced chemical reactions describing the behavior for each of the two reactions (bromine + antimony and bromine + aluminum)?

b) Are there any particular hazards associated with the use of solid aluminum and antimony?

c) Why is the bromine contained in a narrow-necked flask? Why do you think this classic chemistry demonstration is no longer performed in the classroom?

d) What is the purpose of the aqueous solution of sodium thiosulfate nearby when perform reaction with bromine?

e) If the sodium thiosulfate is added to the bromine, what would be the chemical reaction?

f) If these reactions were to be repeated with chlorine instead of bromine, what behavior would you expect to see? Explain.

Answer 1

The reaction of aluminium and bromine releases tremendous amount of energy along with sparks and light.