The Aluminum and Bromine Reaction Revisited: On the Hazard during Waste Disposal

Abstract

A brief explanation for the absence of reaction between metallic sodium and liquid bromine is offered. A safer variant is proposed for performing the well-known demonstration of aluminum and bromine. An explanation for the increasing induction period for the reaction is given. A serious hazard exists during the disposal of the waste (AlBr₃ dissolved in excess bromine), unless the instructor is familiar with the properties of the products. Attention is paid to this hazard and a possible way for minimizing the risk in waste disposal is pointed out.