Iron Production
In the furnace, oxygen is blown into the impure iron. This is vital because the oxygen oxidizes the phosphorus and sulfur shown in the following redox reactions: (4) P 4 ( s) + 5 O 2 ( g) P 4 O 10 ( g) (5) S 8 ( s) + 8 O 2 ( g) 8 S O 2 ( g) The oxides either escapes as gases or react with basic oxides that are added or used to line the furnace.