4 CO + Fe3O4 → 4 CO2 + 3 Fe – Balanced equation

This is an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction:

CO is a reducing agent, Fe₃O₄ is an oxidizing agent.

Reactants:

• CO – Carbon monoxide
  • Other names: Carbon monooxide , Carbonous oxide , Carbon(II) oxide
  • Appearance: Colorless gas ; Odourless tasteless colourless compressed gas ; Colorless, odorless gas. [Note: Shipped as a nonliquefied or liquefied compressed gas.]
• Fe₃O₄ – Iron(II) iron(III) oxide
  • Other names: Iron(II,III) oxide , Ferrous ferric oxide , Ferroso ferric oxide
  • Appearance: Solid black powder

Products:

• CO₂
  • Names: Carbon dioxide , {{plainlist| , CO2
  • Appearance: Colorless gas ; Odourless colourless compressed liquefied gas ; Colorless, odorless gas. [Note: Shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Solid form is utilized as dry ice.]
• Fe
  • Names: Iron , Fe , Element 26