Question

Carbon monoxide is a more effective reducing agent than carbon below 983 K but above this temperature the reverse is true. Explain.

Answer 1

In order to produce iron from its oxide ore, a furnace blast of air is used to heat the ore, coke and limestone mixture. Carbon monoxide converts oxides of iron to iron below 983K.

\[\ce{Fe2O3 + CO -> 2FeO + CO2}\]

\[\ce{FeO + CO -> Fe + CO2}\]

FeO₃ is reduced to iron by heated coke over 983 K. This area is known as the fusion zone.

\[\ce{Fe2O3 + 3C -> 2Fe + 3CO + Heat}\]

Thus carbon monoxide is more effective agent than carbon below 983 K.