Reduction of Iron(III) Oxide by Carbon Monoxide
Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2
Overview
Carbon monoxide reduces iron(III) oxide to metallic iron in the blast furnace. CO is oxidized to CO₂ while Fe³⁺ is reduced to Fe⁰. This is the primary reduction reaction in ironmaking, occurring in the lower-middle zone of the blast furnace at 700-1200 C.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Iron(III) Oxide Fe₂O₃ | 1 | (s) |
| Reactant | Carbon Monoxide CO | 3 | (g) |
| Product | Iron Fe | 2 | (l) |
| Product | Carbon Dioxide CO₂ | 3 | (g) |
Everyday Example
Every steel structure, vehicle, and appliance contains iron that was reduced from ore by this reaction in a blast furnace.
Industrial Importance
This is the world's most important metallurgical reaction, producing over 1.3 billion tonnes of pig iron annually. Steel production accounts for about 7% of global CO₂ emissions.
Properties
- Type
- Redox
- Reversible
- Yes
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -24.8 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Aqua Regia Dissolving Gold
Bleaching with Sodium Hypochlorite
Cerium(IV) Reduction by Iron(II)
Chlorine Oxidation of Bromide
Chromate-Dichromate Equilibrium
Contact Process SO₂ Oxidation
Copper Displaced by Iron
Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid
Copper Patina Formation (Verdigris)
Copper Reduction of Silver Ion
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Reduction of Iron(III) Oxide by Carbon Monoxide?
The balanced equation is: Fe₂O₃ + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO₂.
What type of reaction is Reduction of Iron(III) Oxide by Carbon Monoxide?
Reduction of Iron(III) Oxide by Carbon Monoxide is a redox reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Reduction of Iron(III) Oxide by Carbon Monoxide exothermic or endothermic?
Reduction of Iron(III) Oxide by Carbon Monoxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -24.8 kJ/mol.