Carbon monoxide
Chemical formula | {{#Chem:CO}} |
---|---|
OTP appearance | colorless gas |
Molar Mass(g/mol) | 28 |
Density(g/cc) | 0.001145 |
Melting Point(°C) | -205 |
Boiling Point(°C) | -191 |
Fuel Value(MJ/kg) | 10 |
Solubility in water(g/L) | 0.0276 (2.4%v/v) |
NFPA 704 |
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas produced by combustion of carbon in a low-oxygen environment such as a charcoal fire.
Uses
- Reduction of metal oxides (see smelting)
- Burning, as a component of producer gas
Natural occurrence
- Rarely produced by low temperature combustion
Hazards
- Very toxic
- Flammable and potentially explosive
Production
Synthesis
Zinc and calcium carbonate
Heat a mixture of zinc and calcium carbonate, producing calcium oxide, zinc oxide, and carbon monoxide
- {{#Chem: Zn + CaCO3 = ZnO + CaO + CO}}
Thermal decomposition
Calcium oxalate breaks down giving CO at 500-550 degrees centigrade
- {{#Chem: CaC2O4 { → 500-550°C } CaCO3+ CO }}
Partial oxidation
Heat carbon in a limited-oxygen environment
- {{#Chem: 2C + O2 { = 800°C } 2CO }}
Dehydration
Combine sulfuric acid with formic acid or oxalic acid, and apply heat
- {{#Chem: H2SO4 + HCOOH = H2SO4 + H2O + CO }}
- {{#Chem: H2SO4 + H2C2O4 = H2SO4 + H2O + CO2 + CO }}