Question

In the extraction of copper from copper pyrites, iron is removed as:

• A. $FeS{O}_4$
• B. $FeSi{O}_3$
• C. $Fe3O_4$
• D. $F{e}_2{O}_3$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $FeSi{O}_3$

The copper ($II$) ions in the copper pyrite are reduced to copper ($I$) sulphide (which is reduced further to copper metal in the final stage).

The iron in the copper pyrite ends up converted into an iron ($II$) silicate slag which is removed.

$CuFe{S}_2+Si{O}_2+4O_2\to C{u}_{2}S+2FeSi{O}_3+3S{O}_2$