Question

Identify the reaction which occurs in blast furnace at temperature of above 900 K.

• A. $3Fe_2O_3 + CO \rightarrow 2Fe_3O_4 + CO_2$
• B. $Fe_3O_4 + 4CO \rightarrow 3Fe + 4CO_2$
• C. $FeO + CO \rightarrow Fe + CO_2$
• D. $Fe_2O_3 + CO \rightarrow 2FeO + CO_2$

Hint:

Remember: At temperatures above 900 K in the blast furnace, $FeO$ is the predominant oxide being reduced.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

In a blast furnace, the reduction of iron oxide takes place in stages. At temperatures above 900 K, iron(II) oxide ($FeO$) is reduced by carbon monoxide to iron metal. This corresponds to the third reaction.