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Why is the extraction of copper from pyrites more difficult than that from its oxide ore through reduction?

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Why is the extraction of copper from pyrites more difficult than that from its oxide ore through reduction?

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The Gibbs free energy of formation (Ξ”fG) of Cu2S is less than that of H2S and CS2. Therefore, H2 and C cannot reduce Cu2S to Cu.

On the other hand, the Gibbs free energy of formation Cu2O of is greater than that of CO. Hence, C can reduce Cu2O to Cu.

C(s) + Cu2O(s) β†’ 2Cu(s) + CO(g)

Hence, the extraction of copper from its pyrite ore is difficult than from its oxide ore through reduction.

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