- Definition of CO2:
Carbon Dioxide, commonly known as CO2, is a colorless, odorless gas with a slight sour taste. In English, it is called “Carbon Dioxide”. The structure of a CO2 molecule consists of 1 carbon atom and 2 oxygen atoms. The atomic weight of carbon is 12, the atomic weight of oxygen is 16, hence, the atomic weight of CO2 is approximately 44. CO2 does not form ions under normal conditions.
- Properties of CO2:
2.1 Physical properties: CO2 is a colorless, odorless gas and does not have a specific PH because it is neither an acid nor a base.
2.2 Chemical properties: CO2 does not burn and does not support combustion. It can react with water to form carbonic acid, a weak acid.
- Common chemical equations:
CO2 reacts with alkali metals to form carbonate and hydrogen.
Example: 2Na + CO2 -> Na2CO3 + H2
CO2 reacts with strong acid to form salt and water.
Example: 2HCl + CO2 -> CaCl2 + H2O
CO2 does not react with non-metals and salts under normal conditions.
- Synthesis of CO2:
4.1 The most common way to synthesize CO2 in the laboratory is by completely burning a carbon-containing substance.
4.2 In industry, CO2 is synthesized from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal and oil.