JSS 2: Extraction of Iron

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                   OCCURRENCE 
Iron occurs naturally as ores. The common iron ores are:
1. Haematite (Fe2O3)
2. Magnetite (Fe3O4)
3. Iron pyrite (FeS2)
4. Siderite (FeCO3)
5. Limonite( Fe2O3.H2O)
Iron is the second most abundant metal found in the earth's crust after aluminum.
It is also present in clay soil, hemoglobin in animals, and chlorophyll in plants.

                   EXTRACTION OF IRON
1. The iron ore (Haematite) is first roasted in air to produce Iron (III)oxide, [Fe2O3]
2. Iron (III)oxide is then mixed with Coke (Carbon) and limestone (CaCO3) to a very high temperature in the blast furnace 
3. In the lower part of the furnace, white-hot coke is oxidized by the oxygen in the hot air to produce carbon (IV) oxide.

                  C(s) + O2(g) → CO2(g)

4. The carbon (IV) oxide reduces to carbon (II) oxide, (CO) as it moves up the furnace. It then reacts with Iron (III)oxide, reducing it to iron.
        C(s) + CO2(g) → 2 CO(g)
Fe2O3(s) + 3CO(g) → 2 Fe(l) + 3CO2(g)

5. The limestone present decomposes at high temperatures to yield calcium oxide,(CaO). Which combine with silicon(IV)oxide impurities to form calciumtrioxosilicate(IV).

CaCO3(s) → CaO(s) + CO2(g)

6. The molten iron sinks to the bottom of the furnace and is tapped off. It is run into molds where it set out as pig iron.
              Types of iron 
1. Pig iron
2. Cast iron 
3. Wrought iron 

1. Pig iron: It is obtained directly from the blast furnace and is impure. It is used in alloys eg making steel
2. Cast iron: It is obtained from pig iron. It is used in making cookers, stoves, radiators, etc
3. Wrought iron: It is the purest form of commercial iron. It is used in making nails, chains, iron rods, iron sheets, agricultural implements etc

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