Find out the major product X in the reaction given: $FeCr_2O_4 + Na_2CO_3 + O_2 \rightarrow X + Fe_2O_3 + CO_2

Question

Find out the major product X in the reaction given: $FeCr_2O_4 + Na_2CO_3 + O_2 \rightarrow X + Fe_2O_3 + CO_2$

Accepted Answer

The reaction represents the first step in the manufacture of potassium dichromate from chromite ore ($FeCr_2O_4$). The ore is fused with sodium (or potassium) carbonate in the presence of free access of air (oxygen). The balanced chemical equation is:
$$4 FeCr_2O_4 + 8 Na_2CO_3 + 7 O_2 \rightarrow 8 Na_2CrO_4 + 2 Fe_2O_3 + 8 CO_2$$

The major product 'X' is **sodium chromate** ($Na_2CrO_4$), which is a yellow-coloured compound. Sodium dichromate ($Na_2Cr_2O_7$) is formed in the subsequent step by acidifying the sodium chromate solution .

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