Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite)

2Al + Fe₂O₃ → Al₂O₃ + 2Fe

Overview

The thermite reaction involves aluminum reducing iron(III) oxide to produce aluminum oxide and molten iron. This spectacularly exothermic reaction generates temperatures exceeding 2500 C, hot enough to melt iron. Once ignited (requires about 1500 C), it cannot be extinguished with water.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Iron(III) Oxide Fe₂O₃	1	(s)
Reactant	Aluminum Al	2	(s)
Product	Aluminum Oxide Al₂O₃	1	(s)
Product	Iron Fe	2	(l)

Everyday Example

The thermite reaction is used for emergency railroad track welding in the field, fusing rail ends with molten iron produced on-site.

Industrial Importance

Used in railroad track welding (thermite welding), metal cutting and demolition, incendiary devices, and the production of certain metals from their oxides.

Properties

Type: Single Replacement
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -851.5 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Aluminum Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid Aluminum Reducing Chromium Oxide (Aluminothermic) Calcium Reacting with Water Carbon Reducing Iron Oxide in Blast Furnace Chlorine Displacing Bromine from Sodium Bromide Chlorine Displacing Iodine from Potassium Iodide Copper Displacing Silver from Silver Nitrate Fluorine Displacing Chlorine from Sodium Chloride Hydrogen Reducing Copper Oxide Iron Displacing Copper from Copper Sulfate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite)?

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

What type of reaction is Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite)?

Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite) is a single replacement reaction.

Is Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite) exothermic or endothermic?

Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -851.5 kJ/mol.