Describe, with the help of chemical equations, the reactions in the blast furnace which help to purify molten iron.

21/11/2023 at 2:14 pm (last edited 21/11/2023 at 2:14 pm)

Limestone is decomposed by heat to form calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.

CaCO₃ (s) –> CaO (s) + CO₂ (g)

Calcium oxide reacts with the main acidic impurity, silicon dioxide to form molten slag.

CaO (s) + SiO₂ (s) –> CaSiO₃ (l)