2Al + 6NH3 + 6H2O → 2Al(OH)3 + 6NH4+ + 3H2
The reaction between aluminum foil and ammonia is a redox reaction, in which the aluminum metal is oxidized and the ammonia is reduced. The aluminum metal loses electrons to the ammonia, which causes the aluminum to become positively charged and the ammonia to become negatively charged. The positively charged aluminum ions then react with the hydroxide ions from the water to form aluminum hydroxide, while the negatively charged ammonium ions react with the hydrogen ions from the water to form ammonium hydroxide.
The reaction between aluminum foil and ammonia is a slow reaction, but it can be accelerated by heating the aluminum foil or by adding a catalyst. The reaction can also be accelerated by increasing the concentration of ammonia.