AbstractThe selective oxidation of intermetallic compounds is described. The effects of temperature on the development of protective external scales and on the occurrence of‘pesting’are considered. The influence of gas composition on oxidation rate and morphology and on the formation of volatile reaction products is described. Selected data for compounds of primary interest as high temperature materials (aluminides, silicides) are used to illustrate the effects discussed. Finally, the corrosion behaviour of intermetallics in more complex environments, such as those containing mixed oxidants or molten salts, are briefly discussed.MST/1544