Thermite Reaction

2Al + Fe₂O₃ → Al₂O₃ + 2Fe

Aperçu

Aluminum reduces iron(III) oxide in this extremely exothermic redox reaction, reaching temperatures above 2500 C. Aluminum is oxidized from Al⁰ to Al³⁺ (losing 3 electrons) while iron is reduced from Fe³⁺ to Fe⁰. Once ignited, the reaction is self-sustaining and produces molten iron.

Participants

Rôle	Substance	Coefficient	État
Réactif	Iron(III) Oxide Fe₂O₃	1	(s)
Réactif	Aluminum Al	2	(s)
Produit	Aluminum Oxide Al₂O₃	1	(s)
Produit	Iron Fe	2	(l)

Exemple du quotidien

Railroad workers use thermite welding to join rail sections in the field, pouring molten iron into a mold around the rail joint.

Importance industrielle

Thermite welding is used for railroad track repair, pipeline welding, and metal cutting. The reaction's extreme temperature makes it useful for specialty metallurgical applications.

Propriétés

Type: Redox
Réversible: Non
Énergie: Exothermique
ΔH: -851,5 kJ/mol

Réactions associées

Iron(II) to Iron(III) Oxidation by Oxygen Bleaching with Sodium Hypochlorite Copper Reduction of Silver Ion Aqua Regia Dissolving Gold Cerium(IV) Reduction by Iron(II) Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid Hypochlorite Oxidation of Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen Peroxide as Oxidizing Agent (Acidic) Hydrogen Peroxide Disproportionation Displacement of Hydrogen from Acid by Magnesium

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Thermite Reaction?

The balanced equation is: 2Al + Fe₂O₃ → Al₂O₃ + 2Fe.

What type of reaction is Thermite Reaction?

Thermite Reaction is a redox reaction.

Is Thermite Reaction exothermic or endothermic?

Thermite Reaction is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -851.5 kJ/mol.