Skip to main content

Carbon Dioxide

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
CO2
CAS number
124-38-9
IUPAC name
Carbon dioxide
State
State

At room temperature, carbon dioxide is in the gaseous state.

Melting point (Celsius)
-56.60
Melting point (Kelvin)
216.55
Boiling point (Celsius)
-78.50
Boiling point (Kelvin)
194.65
General information
Molecular weight
44.01g/mol
Molar mass
44.0100g/mol
Density
1.9770g/cm3
Appearence

Carbon dioxide is a colorless gas. In its solid state, it is known as dry ice.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Carbon dioxide (CO2) exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are vital in various natural processes. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Highly Soluble in Water: CO2 is notably soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 0.145 g per 100 mL at 0 °C. This increases with pressure, illustrating the principle of Henry's Law.
  • Formation of Carbonic Acid: When dissolved in water, CO2 reacts to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which plays a crucial role in the regulation of pH in aquatic environments.
  • Influence of Temperature: The solubility of CO2 decreases with rising temperature; hence, cold waters can hold more dissolved CO2 than warm waters.
  • Biological Relevance: Its solubility is fundamental to processes such as respiration and photosynthesis, influencing the availability of carbon for aquatic life.

In summary, the solubility of CO2 is not only significant for biochemical processes but also shapes environmental conditions. As quoted in scientific literature, "The oceans serve as a major sink for atmospheric CO2, helping to mitigate climate change." The dynamic between atmospheric and oceanic CO2 levels underscores its importance in both ecological and climatological contexts.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a fascinating compound that plays a crucial role in various natural and industrial processes. Here are some intriguing insights about CO2:

  • Essential for Life: CO2 is a fundamental component of photosynthesis, the process through which plants generate energy. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and, using sunlight, convert it into glucose and oxygen.
  • Greenhouse Gas: CO2 is a prominent greenhouse gas, helping to regulate the Earth's temperature by trapping heat in the atmosphere. While it is vital for sustaining life, excessive buildup can lead to climate change.
  • Carbon Cycle: This compound is integral to the carbon cycle, an essential natural process where carbon atoms circulate throughout the Earth’s systems, including the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
  • Industrial Uses: Beyond its biological significance, CO2 is utilized in various industrial applications such as in the production of carbonated beverages, as a refrigerant, and in fire extinguishers due to its ability to displace oxygen.
  • Medical Applications: In medicine, carbon dioxide is used in insufflation during laparoscopic surgeries to expand the abdominal cavity, allowing surgeons better visibility and movement.

As noted by scientists, "The balance of carbon dioxide is crucial not only for ecological stability but also for the future of our planet." Understanding CO2 is key to addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices.

From supporting life to influencing climate dynamics, carbon dioxide is undeniably a compound with remarkable characteristics and significance in both nature and human endeavors.

Synonyms
carbon dioxide
carbonic anhydride
Dry ice
124-38-9
carbonic acid gas
Carbonic acid anhydride
Carbonica
Kohlendioxyd
Kohlensaure
Khladon 744
After-damp
AER Fixus
Anhydride carbonique
Carbon oxide, di-
methanedione
CO2
Caswell No. 163
HSDB 516
Dioxido de carbono
Dioxyde de carbone
dioxidocarbon
R 744
Dioxomethane
Cardice
Drikold
EINECS 204-696-9
UN1013
UN1845
UN2187
Carbon-12 dioxide
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 016601
INS NO.290
UNII-142M471B3J
CHEBI:16526
Carbon oxide (CO2)
Dry ice (solid form)
Carbon dioxide [USP]
INS-290
E-290
142M471B3J
E290
DTXSID4027028
Carbon dioxide (USP)
E 290
CARBON DIOXIDE (II)
CARBON DIOXIDE [II]
18923-20-1
CARBON DIOXIDE (MART.)
CARBON DIOXIDE [MART.]
Kohlensaure [German]
Kohlendioxyd [German]
(CO2)
[CO2]
CARBON DIOXIDE (EP IMPURITY)
CARBON DIOXIDE [EP IMPURITY]
CARBON DIOXIDE (EP MONOGRAPH)
CARBON DIOXIDE [EP MONOGRAPH]
Dioxide, Carbon
CARBON DIOXIDE (USP MONOGRAPH)
CARBON DIOXIDE [USP MONOGRAPH]
Dioxyde de carbone [French]
Anhydride, Carbonic
Dioxido de carbono [Spanish]
Anhydride carbonique [French]
18983-82-9
epoxyketone
Dricold
carbon dioxid
dry-ice
Dioxomethane #
methane, dioxo-
Carbon dioxide, refrigerated liquid
Carbonic acid, gas
Makr carbon dioxide
Dry ice .
Carbon dioxide (TN)
CARBON-DIOXIDE
Carbon Dioxide Refrigerated
CARBON DIOXIDE [MI]
CARBON DIOXIDE [FCC]
CARBON DIOXIDE [JAN]
Carbon dioxide (JP18/USP)
CARBON DIOXIDE [HSDB]
Carbon dioxide, >=99.8%
CARBON DIOXIDE [VANDF]
DTXCID507028
CARBON DIOXIDE [WHO-DD]
CHEMBL1231871
BDBM10856
CARBON DIOXIDE, COMPRESSED
Carbon dioxide, solid or dry ice
CARBON DIOXIDE [GREEN BOOK]
Carbonic dioxide (Refrigerated liquid)
DB09157
UN 1013
UN 1845
UN 2187
USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 016601
Carbon dioxide, puriss., >=99.998%
NS00076302
Q1997
R-744
C00011
Carbon dioxide [UN1013] [Nonflammable gas]
Carbon dioxide, Messer(R) CANgas, 99.995%
D00004
Carbon dioxide, solid or dry ice [UN1845] [Class 9]
Carbon dioxide (99.8%), cylinder of 14 L, analytical standard
Carbon dioxide (99.8%), cylinder of 48 L, analytical standard
Carbon dioxide, refrigerated liquid [UN2187] [Nonflammable gas]
204-696-9