Question

What is the main reaction occurring in the blast furnace during extraction of iron from haematite?

(a) Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2

(b) FeO + SiO2 → FeSiO2

(c) Fe2O3 + 3C → 2Fe + 3CO

(d) Fe2O3 + CO2 → FeCO3 + O2

I had been asked this question in homework.

My enquiry is from Extraction of Crude Metal from Concentrated Ore in section General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2

To explain: The main reaction occurring in the blast furnace during extraction of iron from haematite is:

Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2

This reaction involves the reduction of iron (III) oxide to iron and oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.