Why won't sulfuric acid dissolve aluminum?

Answer 1

I don't think it is an acid you need it is an alkali. The quote below is from Wikipedia: Sodium hydroxide does not attack iron or copper, but other metals such as aluminium, zinc and titanium are attacked rapidly.

Answer 2

Its because of the build up of sulfur on the surface and on top of that, the aluminum creates its own protective surface. Anyways, I am striping two briggs and stratton chromed pistons, after 30 hours, they are almost dechromed, black (sulfur) and flaking chrome areas. After all that, the sulfur has not harmed the surface of the aluminum pistons.

Answer 3

A common use of aluminum foil is covering foods, however anything acidic can dissolve the foil, including ketchup and icing. Brine will degrade the integrity of Aluminium over time, and will eventually disintegrate it, however, this is not a quick process and can take many years, if not centuries. There are likely some forms of protazoa which can "eat" through Aluminium but again, it is not something that would happen quickly.

Answer 4

Sulfuric acid forms a protective aluminum oxide layer on the surface of aluminum when they come into contact. This oxide layer prevents further reaction between the acid and the aluminum underneath, thus inhibiting the dissolution process.

Answer 5

Aluminium oxide is amphoteric, which means it reacts with acids and bases. So it's an acid or a base depending on which reaction you use it in.

Answer 6

Sulfuric acid can dissolve many metals, ceramics, and minerals over time.

Answer 7

Concentrated nitric, sulfuric, or hydrochloric are the most common acids to digest metals.

Answer 8

Hydrochloric acid will dissolve aluminum.

Answer 9

yes aluminum does react to an acid