Metals

Sonority, Malleability, Ductility, Good conductor of heat

Metals have characteristic properties like sonority (producing sound when struck), malleability (can be hammered into sheets), ductility (can be drawn into wires), and good conductivity. They are not brittle and have lustrous appearance.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is used as the reducing agent in blast furnace to extract iron from its oxide ore. The reaction is Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2.

Flux to remove impurities

Limestone acts as a flux in iron extraction. It decomposes to form calcium oxide which combines with acidic impurities like silica to form slag that can be easily removed.

Sodium, Aluminium, Potassium, Magnesium

Highly reactive metals like sodium, aluminium, potassium, and magnesium form very stable compounds and require electrolysis for extraction. Moderately reactive metals like iron and copper can be extracted by reduction with carbon.