Reacting aluminium and iodine

A photograph of purple vapour against a plain background

Source: © Shutterstock

Illustrate the spectacular reaction between aluminium and iodine with water as a catalyst in this demonstration. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

The reaction between aluminium and iodine is catalysed by water. In this teacher demonstration, students observe what happens when warm water is added to a mixture of iodine and aluminium powder, producing clouds of purple iodine vapour.

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