The Goldschmidt Alumino-Thermite process is employed to extract transition metals like Chromium and Manganese from their oxides. What is the fundamental thermodynamic justification for utilizing Alumi

Question

The Goldschmidt Alumino-Thermite process is employed to extract transition metals like Chromium and Manganese from their oxides. What is the fundamental thermodynamic justification for utilizing Aluminium powder instead of cheap Carbon as the reducing agent?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Cr and Mn oxides have high lattice energies and cannot be easily reduced by Carbon. Furthermore, high-temperature carbon reduction often yields stable metal carbides instead of pure metal. Aluminium is highly electropositive with a massive affinity for oxygen, making the highly exothermic thermite reduction thermodynamically favorable.

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