2 Al (s) + 6 H2SO4 (aq) → 3 SO2 (aq) + Al2(SO4)3 (aq) + 6 H2O (l)
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
3 SVI + 6 e- → 3 SIV (reduction)
2 Al0 - 6 e- → 2 AlIII (oxidation)
H2SO4 is an oxidizing agent, Al is a reducing agent.
Reactants:
Products:
- SO2 – Sulfur dioxide
- Other names: Sulfurous anhydride , Sulphur dioxide , Sulfurous acid anhydride
- Appearance: Colorless gas ; Colourless gas or compressed liquefied gas with pungent odour ; Colorless gas with a characteristic, irritating, pungent odor. [Note: A liquid below 14°F. Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas.]
- Al2(SO4)3 – Aluminium sulfate
- H2O – Water, oxidane