Formation of Carbon Monoxide

2C + O2 → 2CO

Aperçu

When carbon burns in a limited supply of oxygen, carbon monoxide is produced instead of carbon dioxide. This incomplete combustion reaction is dangerous because carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and highly toxic gas that binds to hemoglobin more strongly than oxygen.

Participants

Rôle Substance Coefficient État
Réactif Oxygen O 1 (g)
Réactif Carbon C 2 (s)
Produit Carbon Monoxide CO 2 (g)

Exemple du quotidien

Carbon monoxide poisoning from poorly ventilated gas heaters, fireplaces, or running car engines in closed garages results from this reaction.

Importance industrielle

Carbon monoxide is an important industrial gas used in the Fischer-Tropsch process for synthetic fuel production and in metal ore reduction. It is also a component of syngas.

Propriétés

Type
Synthesis
Réversible
Non
Énergie
Exothermique
ΔH
-221,0 kJ/mol

Réactions associées

Formation of Calcium Hydroxide Formation of Nitrogen Dioxide Formation of Potassium Chloride Formation of Sodium Bicarbonate Formation of Sodium Peroxide Formation of Silicon Dioxide Formation of Tungsten Carbide Formation of Copper(II) Sulfide Formation of Sulfur Dioxide Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (General)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Formation of Carbon Monoxide?
The balanced equation is: 2C + O₂ → 2CO.
What type of reaction is Formation of Carbon Monoxide?
Formation of Carbon Monoxide is a synthesis reaction.
Is Formation of Carbon Monoxide exothermic or endothermic?
Formation of Carbon Monoxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -221.0 kJ/mol.