The main function of limestone in the blast furnance is to
Answer Details
The main function of limestone in the blast furnace is to remove impurities from the iron ore being smelted. Limestone, which is mostly calcium carbonate, reacts with the impurities in the iron ore to form slag, which is then easily separated from the molten iron. The chemical reaction is as follows: CaCO3(s) + SiO2(l) → CaSiO3(l) + CO2(g) Thus, limestone acts as a flux, a substance that can lower the melting point of the iron ore and helps to remove impurities from the ore. It does not act as a reducing agent, catalyst, or supply carbon (IV) oxide.