The reduction of iron(III) oxide by carbon monoxide in a blast furnace is represented by the balanced chemical equation:
Fe2O3+3CO→2Fe+3CO2\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + 3\text{CO} \rightarrow 2\text{Fe} + 3\text{CO}_2Fe2O3+3CO→2Fe+3CO2
In an industrial process, a reaction vessel is loaded with 0.45 mol0.45\text{ mol}0.45 mol of iron(III) oxide, Fe2O3\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3Fe2O3, and 1.20 mol1.20\text{ mol}1.20 mol of carbon monoxide, CO\text{CO}CO.
Use the stoichiometric ratio from the equation to show that iron(III) oxide is the reactant in excess.