This paper analyzes the extreme application conditions of high temperature, high thermal shock and strong erosion of Al2O3-SiC-C refractories for molten iron ladles. It is considered that the main damage mechanism of the refractories is chemical corrosion of oxides (high contents of CaO, FeO and MnO) in the materials, reaction melting erosion, oxidation or decomposition of C or SiC in the materials, melting erosion at high temperatures, and damage under high thermal shock. The analysis results show that the low carbon and low silica Al2O3-SiC-C materials with high oxidation resistance should be used. The ratio of Al2O3 to SiO2 in the materials should be greater than 2.5, and the andalusite or pyrophyllite with microcracks, Al2O3 or Si3N4 with in-situ particles or fibers, and the clay or metal with ductility at high temperatures should be added to improve the high temperature corrosion resistance and thermal shock resistance.