In the extraction of iron from hematite ore using a blast furnace, which substance acts as the primary reducing agent in the lower temperature regions of the furnace?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Carbon monoxide generated by the partial combustion of coke serves as the principal reducing agent that converts iron oxides into elemental liquid iron inside the blast furnace. Carbon dioxide is produced during combustion and limestone decomposition but acts as an oxidizing agent toward hot carbon. Calcium silicate constitutes the molten slag that floats on top of liquid iron to protect it from re-oxidation. Blast furnaces operate continuously by feeding raw materials from the top and hot blast air from the bottom.