Question

Using the properties of the substances involved, compare the method of commercial producing of aluminium from bauxite with the production of iron from iron ore.

Answer 1

At the main commercial aluminium production method bauxite ore is first digested by NaOH at moderate hydrothermal conditions, followed by aluminium hydroxide precipitation. Calcination of the hydroxide to alumina yields a high purity alumina feedstock for aluminum production.

The production of iron from its ore involves an oxidation-reduction reaction carried out in a blast furnace.