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

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.