A30 Thermite Reaction

Description
A mixture of iron oxide and aluminum powder is ignited by a fuse of potassium chlorate, sugar, and concentrated sulfuric acid. Molten iron is produced and flows out the bottom of a brass pot into a bucket of sand. The potassium chlorate reaction with sugar and sulfuric acid is not stoichiometric. Note the flame color.

Equation
2 Al + Fe₂O₃--> 2 Fe + Al₂O₃

H₂SO₄+ sugar + KClO₃--> ClO₂ + other products

Reference
B. Z. Shakhashiri, "Chemical Demonstrations", Vol. 1, The University of Wisconsin Press, Madison ,Wisconsin, (1983) p.85,79.