# An alternative method for preparing pure iron from Fe2O3 is by reaction with carbon monoxide: ...

## Question:

An alternative method for preparing pure iron from {eq}Fe_2O_3{/eq} is by reaction with carbon monoxide:

{eq}Fe_2O_3 + CO \rightarrow Fe + CO_2 {/eq}

How many grams of CO are needed to react with 3.12 g of {eq}Fe_2O_3{/eq}?

Express the answer using three significant figures.

## Carbon Monoxide & Carbon Dioxide:

Both carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are oxides of carbon. In carbon monoxide, the oxidation state of carbon is +2. In carbon dioxide, the oxidation state of carbon dioxide is +4. Carbon is incompletely oxidized to produce carbon monoxide. However, the complete oxidation of carbon leads to the formation of carbon dioxide.

## Answer and Explanation: 1

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The balanced chemical equation is shown below:

{eq}\rm Fe_2O_3+3CO\to 2Fe+3CO_2 {/eq}

The molar mass of {eq}\rm Fe_2O_3 {/eq} is 159.69 g/mol....

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