Predict the conditions when Al reduce MgO

Question

Predict the conditions when Al reduce MgO

Answer 1

Yep, Chemguru is correct.

Have a look at "Ellingham Diagrams" via Google ... these show graphically the temperatures at which these industrially important reductions become feasible (and why carbon monoxide is so effective at reducing many metal oxides.)

Answer 2

It won't. Magnesium is above aluminium in the reactivity series, so magnesium will preferentially oxidise instead.

Unless conditions are really extreme.

Answer 3

Mg is above Al on the activity series (a sort of pecking order for single replacement reactions, which this is).  Unfortunately, because Al is below Mg, it can't kick Mg off the oxygen so there would be no reaction.  If your book doesn't have an activity series, you could try to google it or your teacher may have one.  Remember this is only for single replacement reactions with the formula AB + C = B + AC.  Halogens in group 17 have their own pecking order.  From top to bottom is it: F, Cl, Br and I.

Answer 4

Above 1623K when deltaG becomes negative Al can reduce MgO.