Thermite Reaction
2Al + Fe2O3 → Al2O3 + 2Fe
Overview
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
| 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
Railroad workers use thermite welding to join rail sections in the field, pouring molten iron into a mold around the rail joint.
Industrial Importance
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.
Properties
- Type
- Redox
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -851.5 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Aqua Regia Dissolving Gold
Bleaching with Sodium Hypochlorite
Cerium(IV) Reduction by Iron(II)
Chlorine Oxidation of Bromide
Chromate-Dichromate Equilibrium
Contact Process SO₂ Oxidation
Copper Displaced by Iron
Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid
Copper Patina Formation (Verdigris)
Copper Reduction of Silver Ion
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.