Extraction of zinc from sulfide ores (1 Viewer)

steve001

Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2008
Messages
48
Gender
Male
HSC
2009
Hey,

i was wondering if anyone knew the chemical equation for the processes involved in the extraction of zinc from sulfide ores. The processes that i have are:
-zinc is extracted from sulfide ores by roasting the ore forming an oxide
-the oxide is then dissolved in sulfuric acid
-the metal is obtained by electrolysis

thanks, any help is greatly appreciated
 

brenton1987

Member
Joined
Jun 9, 2004
Messages
249
Gender
Undisclosed
HSC
N/A
-zinc is extracted from sulfide ores by roasting the ore forming an oxide
ZnS + 3/2 O2 --> ZnO + SO2

-the oxide is then dissolved in sulfuric acid
ZnO + H2SO4 --> ZnSO4 + H2O

-the metal is obtained by electrolysis
Zn2+ + 2 e- --> Zn

---

There are two other processes:

ZnS + 3/2 O2 --> ZnO + SO2
SO2 + 1/2 O2 --> SO3
ZnO + SO3 --> ZnSO4
Zn2+ + 2 e- --> Zn

The reduction of zinc oxide occurs in excess of 1000o C, well above the boiling point of zinc metal. Zinc is formed as a gas and purified by distillation.
ZnS + 3/2 O2 --> ZnO + SO2
ZnO + C --> Zn + CO
ZnO + CO --> Zn + CO2
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 0, Guests: 1)

Top