Reductive dissolution of hematite in hydrochloric acid medium by some inorganic and organic reductants : A comparative study

Dissolution behaviour of naturally occurring hematite ( > 97% Fe 2 O 3 ) in hydrochloric acid medium with or without the presence of reductants has been investigated as a function of acid concentration, temperature, liquid/solid ratio, reductant concentration and particle size. FeCl 2 and SnCl 2 are found as the best reductants among all the organic and inorganic reductants. Addition of FeCl 2 or SnCl 2 to the extent of 2 wt % enhances the formation of Fe 2+ in the solution which in turn increases the percentage of dissolution and also lowers the time of dissolution ( > 90%) from 6 to 3h.