how do i write the chemical reaction for the purification of iron?
Fe2O3 + 3CO -- 2Fe + 3CO2
Interesting question, and in the real world the iron ore is mixed with coke (a grade of coal) and heated to a red heat in a Bessemer furnace. Then air is pumped in at the bottom, and the oxygen reacts with the heated metal and coke creating intense heat which burns off the carbon and impurities while raising the temp to a white hot level of molten steel ready for pouring into ingots.
Its been a while since I have taken chem but I believe this is the equation: 3 CO + Fe2O3 → 2 Fe + 3 CO2
