The reaction of aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) with water (H₂O) is a hydrolysis reaction. Here's the balanced chemical equation:

AlCl₃(s) + 6H₂O(l) → [Al(H₂O)₆]³⁺(aq) + 3Cl⁻(aq)

Explanation:

* AlCl₃(s): Aluminum chloride is a solid in its anhydrous form.

* H₂O(l): Water is a liquid.

* [Al(H₂O)₆]³⁺(aq): Aluminum forms a complex ion with six water molecules, [Al(H₂O)₆]³⁺, in solution. This complex ion is often simplified to Al³⁺(aq).

* 3Cl⁻(aq): The chloride ions are released into the solution.

Key Points:

* Hydrolysis: The reaction involves water molecules breaking apart the aluminum chloride compound.

* Exothermic: This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat.

* Acidic solution: The solution becomes acidic due to the formation of hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) from the hydrolysis of AlCl₃.

Note: The reaction is reversible, but the forward reaction is favored in this case.