The Action of Boiling Alcohols and Dehydrated Phenols on Aluminium

THE ACTION OF BOILING ALCOHOLS AND DEHYDRATED PHENOLS ON ALUMINIUM 

At high temperatures, i.e. close to the boiling point of alcohols and phenols, and in a totally dehydrated environment, the OH group can react with aluminium according to the reaction 

These reactions take place because alcohol (or phenol) dehydrates the protective natural oxide film and modifies its stmcture. Moreover, since the resulting alcoholate (or the phenolate) is soluble in this medium, aluminium is no longer protected and will, therefore, be continuously attacked. The attack will proceed as pitting. 

Experience shows that the addition of a small amount of water, 0.05-0.1%, depending on the nature of the alcohol or phenol, will completely inhibit the attack of aluminium by phenols, alcohols or mixtures thereof at the boiling point. These traces of water are sufficient to form the natural oxide layer [1]. 

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The Action of Boiling Alcohols and Dehydrated Phenols on Aluminium 474... 

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