Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide, CO2, is one of two oxides of carbon, and it is the principal
product oxide of carbon formed from the compustion of hydrocarbon fuels. Carbon
dioxide is the focus of public concern in recent years due to the increasing
concentration of this gas in the atmosphere as a result of the combustion of fossel
fuels. The gas is implicated in the Greenhouse Effect.
The carbon dioxide which is present in the atmosphere is produced by respiration
and by combustion. However, it has a short residence time in this phase as it is
both consumed by plants during photosynthesis.

Physical Properties of Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a colourless odourless gas, which is soluble in water, in ethanol
and in acetone.
Melting Point : -55.6 degC
Boiling Point : -78.5 degC
Density : 1.977

Preparation of Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is prepared
by treating any metallic carbonate with dilute mineral acids, or

CaCO3

2 HCl

==>

CaCl2

H2O

CO2

by heating carbonates of metals other than alkali metals.

Heat
MgCO3

==>

MgO

CO2

Properties of Carbon Dioxide

1. Carbon dioxide is a linear covalent molecule.

2. Carbon dioxide is an acidic oxide and reacts with water to give carbonic
acid.
3. CO2

H2O

==>

H2CO3

4. Carbon dioxide reacts with alkalis to give carbonates and bicarbonates.

5.
6. CO2
+
7.
8.
9.
10. NaHCO3
11.
12.

NaOH

==>
NaHCO3
Sodium
BiCarbonate
NaOH

==>

Na2CO3 +
Sodium
Carbonate

H2O

Uses of Carbon Dioxide

Large quantities of solid carbon dioxide (i.e. in the form of dry ice) are used
in processes requiring large scale refrigeration.
Carbon dioxide is also used in fire extinguishers as a desirable alternative to
water for most fires. It is a constituent of medical gases as it promotes
exhalation. It is also used in carbonated drinks.

Chemical Properties of Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a linear covalent molecule.
Carbon dioxide is an acidic oxide and reacts with water to give carbonic
acid.

CO2

H2O

==>

H2CO3

Carbon dioxide reacts with alkalis to give carbonates and bicarbonates.

CO2

NaHCO3

NaOH

NaOH

==>;
Sodium
BiCarbonate
==>
Na2CO3
Sodium
Carbonate

NaHCO3

H2O

Physical Properties of Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide
is a colourless odourless gas,
is soluble in water, in ethanol and in acetone,
has
o Melting Point : -55.6 degC
o Boiling Point : -78.5 degC
o Density : 1.977

Preparation of Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is prepared
by treating any metallic carbonate with dilute mineral acids, or

CaCO3

2 HCl

==>

CaCl2

H2O

CO2

by heating carbonates of metals other than alkali metals.

Heat
MgCO3

==>

MgO

CO2

Uses of Carbon Dioxide

Large quantities of solid carbon dioxide (i.e. in the form of dry ice) are used
in processes requiring large scale refrigeration.
Carbon dioxide is also used in fire extinguishers as a desirable alternative to
water for most fires. It is a constituent of medical gases as it promotes
exhalation. It is also used in carbonated drinks.