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

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Coke reacts with oxygen in the air to form carbon dioxide.

C (s) + O2 (g) –> CO2 (g)

Coke then reacts with carbon dioxide to form carbon monoxide.

C (s) + CO2 (g) –> 2CO (g)

Carbon monoxide reduces haematite to form molten iron and carbon dioxide.

Fe2O3 (s) + 3CO (g) –> 2Fe (l) + 3CO2 (g)