6 KNO3 + 10 Fe → 5 Fe2O3 + 3 K2O + 3 N2
This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:
6 NV + 30 e- → 6 N0 (reduction)
10 Fe0 - 30 e- → 10 FeIII (oxidation)
KNO3 is an oxidizing agent, Fe is a reducing agent.
Reactants:
Products:
- Fe2O3 – Iron(III) oxide
- Other names: Ferric oxide , Hematite , Ferric iron
- Appearance: Red-brown solid ; Reddish brown-to-black crystals or powder ; Reddish-brown solid. [Note: Exposure to fume may occur during the arc-welding of iron.] ; A fine, red powder of ferric oxide. [Note: Usually used in cake form or impregnated in paper or cloth.]
- K2O – Potassium oxide , Potassium oxidopotassium
- N2