Question:

The main reducing agent in a blast furnace is:

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In blast furnaces, carbon monoxide (not carbon or hydrogen directly) is the key reducing agent for iron extraction.
Updated On: Jun 20, 2025
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Hydrogen
  • Limestone
  • Coke ash
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

In a blast furnace, iron is extracted from its ore (typically haematite, Fe\(_2\)O\(_3\)) through a reduction process.
The main reducing agent responsible for this is carbon monoxide (CO), which is produced inside the furnace by the incomplete combustion of coke (carbon):
\[ \text{C} + \text{CO}_2 ⇒ 2\text{CO} \] \[ \text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + 3\text{CO} ⇒ 2\text{Fe} + 3\text{CO}_2 \] This reaction reduces iron(III) oxide to metallic iron.
Limestone acts as a flux, hydrogen is rarely used in this context, and coke ash is an impurity, not a reagent.
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