Aluminium is used as a reducing agent in the reduction of : — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Aluminium is a highly electropositive metal with a very high thermodynamic affinity for oxygen, forming exceptionally stable alumina (Al2O3). Step 2: Under the Goldschmidt alumino-thermite process, aluminium powder is mixed with the oxides of less reactive transition metals to reduce them. Step 3: Specifically, chromium(III) oxide (Cr2O3) is reduced to chromium metal by heating with aluminium: Cr2O3 + 2Al -> Al2O3 + 2Cr. Thus, option (a) is correct.