[Loganz97]

Okay so I have a question that has been bugging me, and it's basically why do compounds react together in a certain way when they could create different products and still be perfectly valence for example. 3H2O2 + 2Al = 2Al(OH)3 + H2 but it could also form H2O2 + Al = AlO2 + H2, *being that my balancing is correct, why is this? Why would it form Aluminum hydroxide over aluminum oxide?

[ma0641]

Don't think the reaction would take place. Metals will probably catalyse peroxide reactions as H2O2 is unstable. You would most likely get O2 and H2O

[CravenMorhead]

If I remember my university chemistry right it is more a matter of energy, which reaction takes the least amount of energy to occur. One could take a large amount of energy and the other a low amount. Think about it:

The properly balanced: (No hydrogens here)
3H2O2 + 2Al = 2Al(OH)3
You're break three bonds and making three bonds.

If you scale it up so that you're using the same amount of materials.
3H2O2 +3Al = 3AlO2 + 3H2
You're breaking nine bonds and making nine bonds. (I think)

It is easier to do the above and it would require less energy.