In the extraction of Iron via the Blast Furnace, a basic flux is required to remove the acidic silic — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

While Limestone ($CaCO_3$) is added to the charge, it decomposes endothermically in the furnace ($~1000 K$) to form Quicklime ($CaO$) and $CO_2$. The $CaO$ is the actual basic flux that reacts with the $SiO_2$ gangue to form the fusible liquid slag, Calcium silicate ($CaSiO_3$).