How is carbon monoxide classified in terms of its toxicity and flammability?

Carbon monoxide is classified as a poisonous and flammable gas. Its toxicity is a significant concern, especially in indoor environments, while its flammability means it can easily ignite and burn.

What is the primary industrial significance of carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a key ingredient in many industrial chemistry processes. It is widely used in the production of various bulk chemicals, including fuels, drugs, and fragrances, highlighting its importance in manufacturing.

What are some common sources of carbon monoxide emissions?

Common sources of carbon monoxide include the partial combustion of carbon-containing compounds, such as from malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances (stoves, heating systems) and vehicle exhaust. It is also generated from natural processes like the photochemical degradation of plant matter and from forest fires.

How does carbon monoxide affect indoor air quality and health?

Indoors, carbon monoxide is considered one of the most acutely toxic contaminants affecting indoor air quality. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a significant cause of fatal poisoning in many countries, and chronic exposure to even low levels can lead to various health issues.

What are the biological roles of carbon monoxide in mammals?

In mammals, carbon monoxide has dual biological roles: at low concentrations, it acts as an endogenous neurotransmitter or gasotransmitter, playing a signaling role. However, at high concentrations, it becomes toxic, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning.

What is carbon monoxide isoelectronic with?

Carbon monoxide is isoelectronic with both the cyanide anion (CN⁻) and molecular nitrogen (N₂). Isoelectronic species have the same number of electrons, which often leads to similar bonding characteristics and molecular properties.

What is the molar mass of carbon monoxide, and how does its density compare to air?

The molar mass of carbon monoxide is approximately 28.010 g/mol. According to the ideal gas law, this molar mass makes it slightly less dense than air, which has an average molar mass of about 28.8 g/mol.

What are the melting and boiling points of carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide melts at -205.02 °C (-337.04 °F; 68.13 K) and boils at -191.5 °C (-312.7 °F; 81.6 K). These temperatures are quite low, indicating it exists as a gas under standard room conditions.

How soluble is carbon monoxide in water, and in what other common solvents does it dissolve?

Carbon monoxide has limited solubility in water, with about 27.6 mg/L at 25 °C. It is, however, soluble in several organic solvents, including chloroform, acetic acid, ethyl acetate, ethanol, benzene, and ammonium hydroxide.

What is the bond order between carbon and oxygen in carbon monoxide, and how does this affect its properties?

The bond between carbon and oxygen in carbon monoxide is a triple bond, consisting of one sigma bond and two pi bonds. This strong triple bond contributes to its high vibrational frequency and significant bond-dissociation energy, making it one of the strongest chemical bonds known.

How does the bond length of carbon monoxide compare to similar diatomic molecules?

The carbon-oxygen bond length in carbon monoxide is 112.8 pm. This is comparable to the bond length in molecular nitrogen (109.76 pm), which also features a triple bond, and is shorter than typical carbon-oxygen double bonds found in molecules like formaldehyde (120.8 pm).

What is the dipole moment of carbon monoxide, and in which direction does it point?

Carbon monoxide has a small dipole moment of 0.122 Debye. Theoretical and experimental studies indicate that this dipole moment points from the slightly negative carbon atom towards the slightly positive oxygen atom, despite oxygen's greater electronegativity.

What are the key resonance structures of carbon monoxide, and what do they imply about its bonding?

The most important resonance structure of carbon monoxide is [C≡O]⁻⁺, which features a triple bond and formal charges. Another significant contributor is :C=O:, a non-octet structure with neutral formal charges. These structures suggest a strong bond with some polar covalent character, and the :C=O: form implies it can be considered a stabilized carbene.

What is the typical concentration of carbon monoxide in Earth's atmosphere?

Carbon monoxide is present in Earth's atmosphere in small amounts, typically around 80 parts per billion (ppb). This trace amount is maintained by a balance between natural and anthropogenic sources and atmospheric chemical reactions.

What are the major natural sources of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere?

Natural sources of atmospheric carbon monoxide include the photochemical degradation of plant matter, volcanic activity, forest and bushfires, and emissions from the ocean. These processes contribute significantly to the overall presence of CO in the atmosphere.

How does carbon monoxide indirectly influence greenhouse gas concentrations?

Carbon monoxide indirectly affects radiative forcing by increasing the concentrations of other greenhouse gases, specifically methane and tropospheric ozone. CO reacts with hydroxyl radicals that would otherwise destroy methane, and it is oxidized to ozone and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Why is carbon monoxide a useful tracer for pollutant plumes in the atmosphere?

Due to its relatively long lifetime in the mid-troposphere and its widespread emission from various pollution sources, carbon monoxide is used as a tracer. Its presence and distribution can help scientists track and understand the movement and impact of other atmospheric pollutants.

What is the role of carbon monoxide in the interstellar medium?

In the interstellar medium, carbon monoxide is the second most abundant diatomic molecule after molecular hydrogen. Its polar nature allows it to emit brighter spectral lines, making it a crucial and easily detectable tracer for identifying molecular clouds where stars form.

What is the significance of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere of Venus?

On Venus, carbon monoxide is formed through the photodissociation of carbon dioxide by ultraviolet radiation. This process breaks down CO₂ in the upper atmosphere, releasing CO.

What is the composition of Halley's Comet regarding carbon monoxide?

Solid carbon monoxide is a component of comets, including Halley's Comet. Approximately 15% of the volatile or 'ice' component of Halley's Comet is estimated to be carbon monoxide.

What are the primary sources of carbon monoxide pollution in urban environments?

In urban areas, carbon monoxide pollution primarily originates from the exhaust of internal combustion engines, such as those found in vehicles and portable generators. Incomplete combustion of other fuels like wood, coal, and natural gas also contributes.

How does carbon monoxide contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone?

Carbon monoxide plays a role in photochemical smog formation by reacting with hydroxyl radicals. This reaction sequence leads to the production of nitrogen dioxide, which can then photolyze to form ozone (O₃).

What are the main sources of indoor carbon monoxide in developed countries versus developing countries?

In developed countries, the primary sources of indoor carbon monoxide are typically faulty or poorly maintained fossil fuel-burning appliances used for cooking and heating. In contrast, low- and middle-income countries often see biomass fuel combustion and cigarette smoke as the most common indoor CO sources.

What is carbon monoxide referred to as in mining contexts, and why?

In mining, carbon monoxide is known as 'whitedamp' or the 'silent killer.' This is because it is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas that can accumulate in poorly ventilated areas, posing a severe, often undetected, threat to miners.

What are the potential long-term neurological effects of carbon monoxide exposure?

Beyond acute poisoning, severe carbon monoxide exposure can lead to long-term neurological effects, including cognitive impairments and changes in behavior. Chronic exposure to lower levels can also result in lethargy, headaches, and neuropsychological issues.

What is the significance of the triple bond in carbon monoxide for its chemical properties?

The triple bond in carbon monoxide is exceptionally strong, indicated by its high bond-dissociation energy. This strength influences its reactivity and its ability to act as a ligand in coordination chemistry, often binding strongly to metal centers.

How does carbon monoxide act as a ligand in coordination chemistry, and what is the effect on its vibrational frequency?

As a ligand, carbon monoxide binds to metal atoms primarily through its carbon atom, forming a sigma bond with the metal and accepting electron density into its pi* orbitals. This interaction, often described by the Dewar-Chatt-Duncanson model, causes a significant shift in its infrared vibrational frequency, typically lowering it from 2143 cm⁻¹ (free CO) to around 1950 cm⁻¹ in metal complexes.

What is the Koch-Haaf reaction, and what are its typical reactants and products?

The Koch-Haaf reaction involves the reaction of alkenes with carbon monoxide and strong acids to form carboxylic acids. This process is a key method for synthesizing carboxylic acids from simpler hydrocarbon precursors.

What is the industrial method for producing phosgene, and what is its significance?

Phosgene (COCl₂) is industrially produced by passing purified carbon monoxide and chlorine gas over an activated carbon catalyst. Phosgene is a crucial intermediate in the manufacturing of various important chemicals, including isocyanates, polycarbonates, and polyurethanes.

What is the Fischer-Tropsch process, and what is its primary application?

The Fischer-Tropsch process involves the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide to produce liquid hydrocarbon fuels. This technology is significant because it allows for the conversion of carbon-rich feedstocks like coal or biomass into synthetic fuels, offering an alternative to petroleum.

How has carbon monoxide been utilized in metallurgy?

Carbon monoxide has been used in metallurgy since ancient times as a strong reducing agent. In processes like the blast furnace, it reduces metal oxides in ores to their pure metallic form at high temperatures, a fundamental step in metal production.

What is the proposed use of carbon monoxide as a rocket fuel on Mars?

NASA researcher Geoffrey Landis proposed using carbon monoxide as a rocket fuel on Mars because both CO and oxygen can be produced directly from the Martian carbon dioxide atmosphere via electrolysis. This method avoids the need for water resources to produce hydrogen-based fuels.

What are the physiological roles of endogenous carbon monoxide in the body?

Endogenous carbon monoxide acts as a signaling molecule, or gasotransmitter, in the body. It has been found to possess anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties and can promote neovascular growth, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.

What is the function of carboxymyoglobin in meat packaging, and why is it controversial?

Carboxymyoglobin is formed when carbon monoxide binds to myoglobin in meat, creating a stable bright-cherry-red pigment, which is responsible for the appealing color of meat packaged with CO, often used to make it appear fresher. This stability can mask spoilage, leading to its prohibition in food packaging in many regions, although it is approved in the US.

What is the significance of carbon monoxide's polarity and its dipole moment?

Despite the triple bond, carbon monoxide possesses a small dipole moment of 0.122 D, pointing from carbon to oxygen. This polarity arises from the unequal sharing of electrons in the bonds and influences its interactions with other molecules and surfaces, particularly in coordination chemistry.

What are the hazards associated with carbon monoxide according to the GHS labelling?

According to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, carbon monoxide is labeled with pictograms indicating flammability, toxicity, and health hazards. Its signal word is 'Danger,' with hazard statements including extreme flammability (H220), toxicity if inhaled (H331), potential harm to fertility or the unborn child (H360), damage to organs through prolonged exposure (H372), and environmental harm by destroying ozone (H420).

What are the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits (REL) for carbon monoxide?

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for carbon monoxide is a Time-Weighted Average (TWA) of 35 ppm (40 mg/m³). They also specify a Ceiling limit (C) of 200 ppm (229 mg/m³), which should not be exceeded at any time.

What is the IDLH value for carbon monoxide?

The Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) value for carbon monoxide is 1200 ppm. This concentration represents a level that could pose a severe risk to life or health if exposure occurs without respiratory protection.

What is the role of carbon monoxide in the context of the 'canary in the coal mine' idiom?

The idiom 'canary in the coal mine' refers to the historical practice of using canaries in mines as an early warning system for dangerous gases like carbon monoxide. Canaries are more sensitive to CO, and their distress or death would alert miners to the presence of the odorless, poisonous gas.

What are the potential therapeutic applications of carbon monoxide, as suggested by animal studies?

Animal studies suggest that carbon monoxide has therapeutic potential due to its anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects. It has been shown to reduce the severity of various experimentally induced conditions, including sepsis, pancreatitis, and inflammatory diseases, and to promote wound healing.

What is the primary enzymatic pathway for the endogenous production of carbon monoxide in the body?

The primary enzymatic pathway for the endogenous production of carbon monoxide in the body involves the catabolic action of heme oxygenase on heme. Heme is derived from hemoproteins like hemoglobin, and its breakdown releases carbon monoxide, along with other products.

What historical figures are associated with early observations or understanding of carbon monoxide?

Early observations related to carbon monoxide are attributed to Aristotle, who noted toxic fumes from burning coals, and Galen, who speculated on air composition changes causing harm. Joseph Priestley is credited with its first synthesis in 1772, and William Cruickshank identified it as a carbon-oxygen compound in 1800.

What is the Boudouard reaction, and what are its products?

The Boudouard reaction is the process where carbon dioxide reacts with hot carbon (like coke) at high temperatures to produce carbon monoxide. Above 800°C, carbon monoxide becomes the predominant product, as shown by the reaction CO₂(g) + C(s) ⇌ 2 CO(g).

What is 'water gas,' and what is the chemical reaction for its production?

Water gas is a mixture primarily composed of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. It is produced through the endothermic reaction of steam with carbon at high temperatures: H₂O(g) + C(s) → H₂(g) + CO(g).

How is carbon monoxide utilized in the chemical industry beyond fuel production?

In the chemical industry, carbon monoxide is used in processes like hydroformylation to produce aldehydes, in the synthesis of acetic acid via the Cativa process, and in the production of phosgene, a key intermediate for plastics and other chemicals.

What is the significance of carbon monoxide in the context of the Holocaust?

During the Holocaust, carbon monoxide was infamously used for genocidal purposes by the Nazis. It was employed in 'gas vans' and in the Action T4 'euthanasia' program to kill victims.

What is the significance of carbon monoxide's high bond-dissociation energy?

The high bond-dissociation energy of carbon monoxide, 1072 kJ/mol, indicates the strength of its triple bond. This makes the molecule very stable and influences its chemical reactivity, particularly its ability to form strong bonds with metal atoms in coordination complexes.

Carbon Monoxide Wiki: Carbon Monoxide: A Comprehensive Examination of its Chemistry, Occurrence, and Impact

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Physical and Chemical Properties

Basic Characteristics

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and slightly less dense than air gas. It is a product of the partial combustion of carbon-containing compounds and is crucial in industrial chemistry.

Molecular Structure

CO consists of a carbon atom and an oxygen atom joined by a triple bond, comprising two pi bonds and one sigma bond. This triple bond is exceptionally strong, contributing to its chemical stability and reactivity.

Bonding and Polarity

The molecule exhibits a slight polarity due to the unequal sharing of electrons in its bonds, with a small negative charge on carbon and a small positive charge on oxygen. This polarization influences its interactions and coordination chemistry.

Thermal Data

CO has a melting point of -205.02 °C and a boiling point of -191.5 °C. Its thermal properties, such as density and specific heat, vary with temperature, making it relevant in various thermodynamic processes.

Detailed thermal and physical properties at atmospheric pressure:

Temp (°C)	Density (kg/m³)	Specific Heat (J/g°C)	Viscosity (μPa·s)
-73.15	1.6888	1.045	12.7
26.85	1.1233	1.043	16.6
126.85	0.8421	1.049	21.8
276.85	0.61226	1.076	27.1

Occurrence and Presence

Industrial and Combustion Sources

CO is a significant byproduct of incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. It is prevalent in vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and malfunctioning heating systems, contributing to urban air pollution.

Natural and Biological Sources

Naturally, CO is generated by photochemical degradation of organic matter, volcanic activity, and wildfires. Biologically, it's produced endogenously in humans and other organisms, serving signaling roles at low concentrations.

Astronomical Presence

Beyond Earth, CO is the second most common diatomic molecule in the interstellar medium, acting as a crucial tracer for molecular gas clouds where stars form. It's also detected in the atmospheres of planets like Venus and on celestial bodies like comets.

Chemistry and Reactivity

Coordination Chemistry

CO readily forms stable complexes with many metals, known as metal carbonyls. It acts as a ligand, binding through its carbon atom, and plays a vital role in catalysis and organometallic chemistry.

Organic Reactions

In organic synthesis, CO participates in important reactions like hydroformylation (oxo process) to produce aldehydes and the Koch-Haaf reaction. It's a key reagent in carbonylation processes for producing acids and other chemicals.

Laboratory Synthesis

CO can be synthesized in the lab by dehydrating formic acid or oxalic acid with concentrated sulfuric acid, or by heating metal oxalates. These methods provide controlled generation for experimental purposes.

Industrial Production

Combustion Processes

Large-scale industrial production relies on the partial oxidation of carbonaceous materials. Processes like producing producer gas (from coke and air) and water gas (from steam and carbon) are primary methods.

Electrolysis and Reduction

High-temperature electrolysis of carbon dioxide and the reduction of metal oxides in pyrometallurgy also yield significant amounts of CO. These methods are critical in metallurgy and energy conversion.

Applications and Uses

Chemical Synthesis

CO is a vital feedstock for producing methanol, acetic acid (via the Cativa process), and phosgene. It's integral to the Fischer-Tropsch process for synthesizing liquid fuels from syngas.

Metallurgy

Historically and currently, CO serves as a powerful reducing agent in metallurgy, extracting metals from their ores, notably in blast furnaces for iron production.

Proposed Rocket Fuel

For potential extraterrestrial applications, CO has been proposed as a rocket fuel component, particularly for Mars missions, due to its potential production from the Martian atmosphere.

Health Effects and Hazards

Toxicity and Poisoning

CO is highly toxic, causing poisoning by binding strongly to hemoglobin, reducing oxygen transport. Acute exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, unconsciousness, and death. Chronic low-level exposure can cause neurological and cardiovascular issues.

Indoor Air Pollution

Malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances (stoves, heaters) and tobacco smoke are primary sources of indoor CO. It is a significant indoor air contaminant, posing acute risks in poorly ventilated spaces.

Mining Hazard

In mining, CO is known as "whitedamp" or the "silent killer." It arises from engines, explosives, and coal oxidation, historically serving as a danger signaled by canaries.

Biological Roles

Paradoxically, at low concentrations, endogenous CO acts as a gasotransmitter, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, and cytoprotective effects, with potential therapeutic applications.

Historical Context

Early Recognition

Humans have encountered CO since the mastery of fire. Ancient philosophers noted toxic fumes, and early chemists like Priestley and Scheele isolated and studied the gas, recognizing its hazardous nature.

Industrial Chemistry

The 20th century saw CO recognized as an essential industrial reagent, driving advancements in fuel synthesis, chemical production (like methanol and acetic acid), and metallurgy.

Weaponization and Food Use

Historically, CO was used in warfare and genocide. More recently, its use in modified atmosphere packaging for food preservation has been debated and regulated due to its toxicity.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Carbon Monoxide" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about carbon_monoxide while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

list of ambassadors of the united states to niger

westminster

baja california peninsula

international boundaries research unit

References

Common Bond Energies (D) and Bond Lengths (r). wiredchemist.com

Global Maps. Carbon Monoxide. earthobservatory.nasa.gov

A full list of references for this article are available at the Carbon monoxide Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Important Disclaimer

Critical Information

This document was generated by an AI and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not medical or safety advice. Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas. Always consult official safety data sheets, regulatory guidelines, and qualified professionals for information regarding safe handling, exposure limits, and health precautions. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it due to information found here.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information.

Carbon Monoxide: A Comprehensive Examination

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Physical and Chemical Properties 🧪

💨 Basic Characteristics

⚛️ Molecular Structure

⚡ Bonding and Polarity

🌡️ Thermal Data

Occurrence and Presence 🌍

🏭 Industrial and Combustion Sources

🌿 Natural and Biological Sources

🌌 Astronomical Presence

Chemistry and Reactivity ⚛️

🔗 Coordination Chemistry

🧪 Organic Reactions

🔬 Laboratory Synthesis

Industrial Production 🏭

🔥 Combustion Processes

⚡ Electrolysis and Reduction

Applications and Uses ⚙️

⚗️ Chemical Synthesis

⛏️ Metallurgy

🚀 Proposed Rocket Fuel

Health Effects and Hazards ⚠️

☠️ Toxicity and Poisoning

🏠 Indoor Air Pollution

⛏️ Mining Hazard

🔬 Biological Roles

Historical Context 📜

🔥 Early Recognition

💡 Industrial Chemistry

⚖️ Weaponization and Food Use

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Important Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Critical Information

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Physical and Chemical Properties

Basic Characteristics

Molecular Structure

Bonding and Polarity

Thermal Data

Occurrence and Presence

Industrial and Combustion Sources

Natural and Biological Sources

Astronomical Presence

Chemistry and Reactivity

Coordination Chemistry

Organic Reactions

Laboratory Synthesis

Industrial Production

Combustion Processes

Electrolysis and Reduction

Applications and Uses

Chemical Synthesis

Metallurgy

Proposed Rocket Fuel

Health Effects and Hazards

Toxicity and Poisoning

Indoor Air Pollution

Mining Hazard

Biological Roles

Historical Context

Early Recognition

Industrial Chemistry

Weaponization and Food Use

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Disclaimer

Critical Information