text: what is the reaction of aluminum + oxygen? reaction of aluminum + oxygen al is not affected by dry air but in moist air a thin film of oxide is formed over its surface. it burns in oxygen producing brilliant light.  4al + 3o2 ----- 2al2o3   the reaction is highly exothermic and lot of heat is evolved    this heat is used in thermite process for reduction of oxides of cr ,fe,mn etc