Carbon dioxide
| |
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
Carbon dioxide
| |
| Other names
Carbon oxide
Carbon(IV) oxide Carbonic acid gas Carbonic anhydride Carbonic oxide Dry ice (solid phase) | |
| Properties | |
| CO2 | |
| Molar mass | 44.01 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless gas |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1,562 kg/m3 (solid at 1 atm and −78.5 °C) 1,101 kg/m3 (liquid at saturation −37 °C) 1.977 kg/m3 (gas at 1 atm and 0 °C) |
| Melting point | −56.6 °C (−69.9 °F; 216.6 K) (Triple point at 5.1 atm) |
| 760 mm Hg 171 ml/100 ml at 0 °C 88 ml/100 ml at 20 °C 80 ml/100 ml at 25 °C 36 ml/100 ml at 60 °C | |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents |
| Solubility in acetone | 8.2 ml/g (20 °C) |
| Solubility in benzene | 2.71 ml/g (20 °C) |
| Solubility in diethyl ether | 6.3 ml/g (20 °C) |
| Solubility in ethanol | 3.6 ml/g (20 °C) |
| Solubility in heptane | 2.8 ml/g (20 °C) |
| Vapor pressure | 5.73 MPa (20 °C) |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | Sigma-Aldrich |
| Flash point | Non-flammable |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds
|
Carbon monoxide |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Carbon dioxide, one of the more common gasses in earth's atmosphere, is a molecule containing one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms (CO2). It is related to carbon monoxide.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Carbon dioxide is soluble in water, making carbonic acid. This is not very stable, existing as an equilibrium between carbonic acid and carbon dioxide/water, and cannot be concentrated.
- CO2 + H2O ⇌ H2CO3
However, this limited temporary solubility can still be taken advantage of in converting hydroxides to carbonates, such as in the treatment of limewater with carbon dioxide to precipitate calcium carbonate. Carbon dioxide can also be used as an acid to oxidize some species, such as the oxidation of potassium manganate to permanganate.
Carbon dioxide is released in many chemical reactions, usually because of the acidification of a carbonate.
Magnesium, titanium, potassium, and other reactive metals will reduce carbon dioxide to carbon. This can be achieved by burning said metals in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide.
Physical
Carbon dioxide is a colorless gas that is odorless unless at very high concentration (at which it has a sharp, sour smell of freshly opened soda pop). It cannot be isolated in liquid form at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, but sublimes. In solid form, it is called "dry ice", and used for chilling experiments. Carbon dioxide is a relatively cheap inert gas, and although for most chemicals it may cause reaction, it is a good storage gas for most reactive metals, except the metals from the s-block and lanthanides.
Availability
Carbon dioxide is available by generation from common materials (like sodium bicarbonate), from the air, in canisters, or in the form of dry ice, which may be sold at grocery stores and wedding planner entities. Compressed CO2 tanks can also be found in many aquarium stores.
Dry ice may also be produced by placing the end of a fire extinguisher(which often contains carbon dioxide) into a bag and releasing the pressurized gas. Fresh dry ice is formed within the confines of the bag.
Preparation
Acidification of a carbonate or bicarbonate releases carbon dioxide, which is a cheap way to generate it.
- CaCO3 + H2SO4 → CaSO4 + CO2 + H2O
Burning organic materials will also generate carbon dioxide, but will also generate soot, water vapor, formaldehyde, aromatic compounds, so it's best to bubble the resulting smoke into a liquid or an adsorption column that will remove the contaminants.
Projects
- Cooling baths
- Carbonates
- Make calcium bicarbonate solution
- Gas nozzles
- Inert atmosphere (not useful for bases, block A metals, most organometallic compounds)
Handling
Safety
Carbon dioxide is not directly poisonous, like carbon monoxide, but it will lower the pH of the blood to dangerous levels if it is inhaled in excess. Carbon dioxide
The extreme cold of solid carbon dioxide can immediately cause reverse thermal burns if it comes into contact with skin.
Storage
Compressed carbon dioxide should be stored in cold places, away from heat. Dry ice should be stored in an insulated container, polystyrene box, dewar, as well away from heat sources. Both forms should be stored in an area with good ventilation, as CO2 may build-up and pose an asphyxiation hazard. The gas is heavier than air and may pour down and accumulate in low areas.
Disposal
Carbon dioxide can be released in open air. Avoid releasing it in an enclosed space.
