Copper is the most noble of first row transition metals and occurs in small deposits in serveral countries. Ores of copper include chalcanthite `(CuSO_(4).5H_(2)O)`, atacanite `[Cu_(2)Cl(OH)_(3)]`, cuprite `(Cu_(2)O)`, copper glance `(Cu_(2)S)`, and malachite `[Cu_(2)(OH)_(2)CO_(3)]`. However, `80 %` of the world copper production comes from the ore chalcopyrite `(CuFeS_(2))`. The extraction of copper from chalcopyrite involves partial roasting, removal of iron and self-reduction.
In self-reduction, the reducing species is.

Options

A. S
B. `O^(2-)`
C. `S^(2-)`
D. `SO_(2)`

Answer

B

Explanation

`(b) Cu_(2)s+2cU_(2)Orarr6Cu+SO_(2)`
The reducing species is the one which gets oxidised. So, it is `S^(2-)` ion getting oxidised to `S^(4+)`.