
IGCSE Extraction of Metals From Ores Notes
Step 4: Carbon monoxide is a powerful reducing agent. This carbon monoxide reduces the iron (III)oxide to iron metal. Fe 2 O 3 (s) + 3CO (g) → 2Fe (l) + 3CO 2 (g) But in some places of the blast furnace, the temperatures are very high. In those hightemperature regions, carbon directly reduces the ore to iron.