During the Mac-Arthur Forrest cyanide process for extracting Silver from Argentite (), a continuous blast of air () is maintained in the leaching tank. What is the primary thermodynamic/chemical purpo

Question

During the Mac-Arthur Forrest cyanide process for extracting Silver from Argentite ($Ag_2S$), a continuous blast of air ($O_2$) is maintained in the leaching tank. What is the primary thermodynamic/chemical purpose of this oxygen blast?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. The leaching reaction is highly reversible. Oxygen is blown in to selectively oxidize the product into sodium thiosulphate and sodium sulphate. According to Le Chatelier's principle, removing the product drives the reaction to completion.

💡 Solution & Explanation

Practice 22,000+ questions like this