Why did you test the reaction mixture with starch/iodide paper before starting the separatory funnel steps

This paper is impregnated with iodide ions and starch and will turn black if treated with an oxidizing agent (e.g. HOCl) which oxidizes the iodide ions

Explanation: hope this helps :)

- aluminum and copper chloride.

- the chloride ion to separate the aluminum from the oxygen so that the aluminum can react with the copper ions (and the water molecules).

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