Name: Reduction of Metal Oxides
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 4 min 4 s
Description: Copper is the third most industrially consumed metal in the world. Its unique properties make it very special. But how do you extract pure copper from its or...

Question

State with equations how you will obtain &lsquo;blister&rsquo; copper from copper &lsquo;matte&rsquo;?

Accepted Answer

The molten mixture of cuprous sulphide and traces of unconverted ferrous sulphide obtained in the smelting process is called copper 'matte'. Then the molten matte is transferred to a silica lined Bessemer converter. A blast of hot air mixed with sand is blown through the molten mass. The last traces of ferrous sulphide is converted to slag.

$2 FeS + 3 O_{2} \overset{}{\to} 2 FeO + 2 {SO}_{2}$

$FeO + Si O_{2} \overset{}{\to} {FeSiO}_{3}$

About two thirds of cuprous sulphide is oxidised by air to give cuprous oxide. This cuprous oxide reacts with the remaining cuprous sulphide to form molten copper.

$2 {Cu}_{2} S + 3 O_{2} \overset{}{\to} 2 {Cu}_{2} O + 2 {SO}_{2}$

${Cu}_{2} S + 2 {Cu}_{2} O \overset{}{\to} 6 Cu + {SO}_{2}$

The molten copper is poured into moulds. When it is allowed to cool, sulphur dioxide gas escapes from the surface causing blisters. Hence, it is known as blister copper.

State with equations how you will obtain ‘blister’ copper from copper ‘matte’?

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