Question

A tetravalent element forms monoxide and dioxide with oxygen. When air is passed over heated element (1273 K), producer gas is obtained. Monoxide of the element is a powerful reducing agent and reduces ferric oxide to iron. Identify the element and write formulas of its monoxide and dioxide. Write chemical equations for the formation of producer gas and reduction of ferric oxide with the monoxide.

Answer 1

\[\ce{2C (s) + O2 + 4N2 (g) ->[123 k] 2CO (g) + 4N2 (g)}\]

\[\ce{Fe2O3 (S) + 3CO (g) ->[heat] 2Fe (S) + 3CO2}\]

C = tetravalent carbon 

CO = carbon monoxide 

Fe₂O₃ = ferric oxide 

CO₂ = carbon dioxide

Tetravalent elements i.e. carbon combines with oxygen to produce carbon monoxide. The reaction occurs at high temperatures and in the presence of nitrogen gas, which acts as a producer gas only. It is not consumed in the reaction. The carbon monoxide formed acts as a reducing agent for ferric oxide, reduces the oxidation state of iron from +3 to zero, and oxidizes itself to form carbon dioxide.