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Which reducing agent can be used in the extraction of metals placed at the top of the reactivityseries?

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Solution

In the extraction of metals placed at the top of the reactivity series, carbon or carbon monoxide cannot be used as reducing agents because these metals have more affinity towards oxygen than carbon. Therefore, these metals are usually extracted by electrolysis. For example, aluminium and sodium are extracted by electrolysis of their oxides or molten salts.

Here are the steps:

  1. The ore is first purified and then heated with carbon in the presence of hot air. This is done to remove impurities like sand, clay, etc. The process is known as concentration of ore.

  2. The concentrated ore is then subjected to calcination or roasting. Calcination involves heating the ore in the absence of air. This is done to remove moisture, volatile impurities, etc. Roasting involves heating the ore in the presence of air. This is done to oxidize the impurities.

  3. The calcined or roasted ore is then reduced. This is done by heating the ore with a suitable reducing agent. As mentioned earlier, for metals at the top of the reactivity series, electrolysis is used.

  4. The metal thus obtained is then refined by processes like distillation, liquation, electrolytic refining, etc.

  5. The refined metal is then molded into suitable shapes for use.

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