CARBON DIOXIDE
General Properties:
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colorless gas. When inhaled at high concentrations, it poses a suffocation hazard and produces a sour taste in the mouth along with a stinging sensation in the nose and throat. These effects are caused by the gas dissolving in mucus membranes and saliva, forming a weak solution of carbonic acid.
Its density at 25°C is 1.98 kg/m³—about 1.5 times heavier than air. The carbon dioxide molecule (O=C=O) contains two double bonds and is linear in shape. It has no electric dipole moment. Being a fully oxidized compound, CO₂ is chemically inert and non-flammable.
At temperatures below –78°C, carbon dioxide condenses into white crystals known as dry ice. Liquid CO₂ only forms at pressures above 5.1 bar under normal atmospheric pressure, it transitions directly between gas and solid through a process called sublimation.
Gaseous Carbon Dioxide
- Carbon Dioxide Gas: (CO₂)
Applications:
- Cooling and Refrigeration: Liquid and solid carbon dioxide are important refrigerants, especially in the food industry, where they are used in the storage and transportation of ice cream and frozen foods.
- Beverage Industry: Carbon dioxide is used to carbonate soft drinks and sodas. Traditionally, carbonation in beer and sparkling wine is achieved via natural fermentation, but many manufacturers now artificially carbonate these beverages.
- Fire Suppression: Carbon dioxide extinguishes fires and is commonly found in fire extinguishers, especially those designed to combat electrical fires, where compressed liquid CO₂ is used.
- Welding Industry: CO₂ serves as a shielding gas in welding technology.
- Automotive Industry: It is widely used across various automotive processes.
- Pressurization Applications: CO₂ is commonly used as a low-cost, non-flammable pressurizing gas. Life jackets typically contain small CO₂ cartridges for rapid inflation. Steel cylinders containing compressed CO₂ are also sold for inflating bicycle tires, powering air guns and paintball guns, and carbonating sparkling water.
- Mining: The rapid evaporation of liquid CO₂ is used to produce controlled explosions in coal mining.
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