Thermite Reaction
Description: Iron oxide reacts with aluminum to produce molten iron.
A) The reaction is initiated by the heat from a sparkler which is placed in the iron oxide/aluminum mixture.
B) The reaction is initiated by the heat from glycerin plus potassium permanganate.
This demonstration is also available on video and JCE “Chemistry Comes Alive!” Vol. 1 CD-Rom.
Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry
Year: 1983 Vol. 1 Page: 85
Rating: 
Hazard: High
- Flammability hazard
- Combustible metal hazard
- Explosion hazard
- Inhalation hazard
- Burn hazard
- Serious eye damage
- Acute toxicity hazard
- Skin corrosion hazard
- Aquatic toxicity hazard
Effectiveness: Excellent
- Spectacular effects are seen by audience
- Very good connection from demo to course material
- High reliability
- Results are clearly observable without guidance
- Time to results is low
Difficulty: Medium
- Sequential manipulations
- Demos at non-standard conditions
- Simple procedures
- Use of special equipment
- Prior training required
Safety Precautions:
- Eye protection required
- Lab coat recommended
- High temperature gloves required
- Flame resistant surface
- Special containment required
- Downdraft hood required
- Class D fire extinguisher on hand
- Use of tongs required for manipulation of molten iron
- Prevent release of reagents to the environment
Class: Redox, Thermochemistry
Division: General
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