When ignited by a glycerin/permanganate reaction, an aluminum/iron oxide mixture reacts vigorously and spectacularly, producing molten iron and aluminum oxide.
Discussion:
The ceramic pot contains layers of solids. The bottom layer is a mixture of coarsely ground iron oxide, Fe2O3, and aluminum. The middle layer is a mixture of these same two metals finely ground. The top layer is potassium permanganate, KMNO4.
Glycerin is added to potassium permanganate at the top of a ceramic pot containing aluminum metal and iron oxide. When ignited by the glycerin/permanganate reaction, the aluminum/iron oxide mixture reacts vigorously and spectacularly, producing molten iron and aluminum oxide.
The equation for the reaction is
Fe2O3 + 2Al —> Al2O3 + 2Fe
Credits:
- Demonstration
- Lynn R. Hunsberger University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292
- Video
- Steven D. Gammon University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83843
- Text
- Kelly Houston Jetzer University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706
- John W. Moore University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706