Question

What is used in the blast furnace to obtain iron from haematite ore?

Options

• Electrolytic reduction

• Carbon dioxide

• Carbon monoxide

• Aluminium

Answer 1

Carbon monoxide

Explanation:

In the blast furnace, iron is extracted from haematite (Fe₂O₃) by reduction with carbon monoxide (CO). The key reaction is:

\[\ce{Fe2O3 + 3CO -> Fe + 3CO2}\]

Carbon monoxide acts as the reducing agent, converting iron oxide into molten iron.