Coke is used in metallurgical process chiefly as

Options

A. Flux
B. reducing agent
C. slag
D. oxidising agent

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Role of Coke in Metallurgy:**
- Coke is primarily composed of carbon and is used in metallurgical processes. Its main function is to facilitate the reduction of metal oxides to their respective metals.

2. **Identifying the Options:**
- The question provides several options regarding the role of coke:
1. Flux
2. Reducing agent
3. Slag
4. Deoxidizing agent

3. **Analyzing Each Option:**
- **Flux:** A flux is a substance that helps to remove impurities during the metallurgical process but is not the primary role of coke.
- **Reducing Agent:** A reducing agent is a substance that donates electrons to another substance, reducing its oxidation state. Coke acts as a reducing agent in the reduction of metal oxides.
- **Slag:** Slag is a byproduct of the smelting process and is not a function of coke.
- **Deoxidizing Agent:** While coke can help remove oxygen, its primary role in metallurgy is as a reducing agent.

4. **Example of Coke as a Reducing Agent:**
- For instance, in the extraction of zinc, zinc oxide (ZnO) can be reduced to zinc (Zn) using carbon (coke). The reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{ZnO} + \text{C} \rightarrow \text{Zn} + \text{CO} \]
- In this reaction, carbon (coke) reduces zinc oxide to zinc, demonstrating its role as a reducing agent.

5. **Conclusion:**
- Based on the analysis, coke is chiefly used in metallurgical processes as a **reducing agent**.

**Final Answer:**
Coke is used in metallurgical processes chiefly as a **reducing agent**.

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