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← IIT-JEE 2012 · Paper 2
ChemistrySingle correct+3 / -1Question 22 of 60

IIT-JEE 2012 · Paper 2, Chemistry question 22

In the cyanide extraction process of silver from argentite ore, the oxidizing and reducing agents used are

Choose one option
Answer and worked solution

Official answer: B

Leaching. Argentite is dissolved in NaCN with air blown through:
AgX2S+4 CNX−⇌2 [Ag(CN)X2]X−+SX2−.\ce{Ag2S + 4CN- <=> 2[Ag(CN)2]- + S^{2-}}.
This equilibrium lies to the left by itself; OX2\ce{O2} oxidises the sulphide ion (to sulphate), pulling it to completion. So OX2\ce{O2} is the oxidising agent.

Recovery. Zinc dust displaces silver from the complex:
2 [Ag(CN)X2]X−+Zn→[Zn(CN)X4]X2−+2 Ag.\ce{2[Ag(CN)2]- + Zn -> [Zn(CN)4]^{2-} + 2Ag}.

Oxidising agent OX2\ce{O2}, reducing agent Zn.

(B)