Review of investigations on the thermodynamics of reduction of copper from oxides and sulfides

The thermodynamics of reduction of copper from oxides and sulfides at T = 298–1273 K is considered. The absence of a correlation between the values of ΔG 0 of the reduction of copper from oxides and those of their formation is confirmed. The reducing ability of sulfide, elementary sulfur, and sulfite sulfur is investigated with respect to copper in oxides Cu(I) and Cu(II). The presence of an interrelation between the probability of reduction of metal and stability of the reducing agent is established. The possibility of reduction of copper from sulfides with the use of hydrogen and metals, as well as with the use of electron donor properties of sulfide sulfur, is investigated. The conditions for realization of reduction are found.