Formation of Cadmium Oxide
2Cd + O2 → 2CdO
Overview
Cadmium burns in oxygen with a brownish-red tint to form cadmium oxide. This reaction is significant because cadmium and its oxide are highly toxic. Cadmium oxide fumes from welding or smelting operations can cause severe and potentially fatal cadmium poisoning.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Oxygen O | 1 | (g) |
| Reactant | Cadmium Cd | 2 | (s) |
| Product | Cadmium Oxide CdO | 2 | (s) |
Everyday Example
Workers who accidentally weld on cadmium-plated metals without proper ventilation risk cadmium oxide inhalation poisoning from this reaction.
Industrial Importance
Cadmium oxide is used in nickel-cadmium batteries, as a catalyst, and in electroplating. Strict safety regulations govern its handling due to toxicity.
Properties
- Type
- Synthesis
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -516.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (General)
Formation of Aluminum Oxide
Formation of Ammonia (Haber Process)
Formation of Barium Oxide
Formation of Barium Sulfate
Formation of Beryllium Oxide
Formation of Calcium Carbonate from Oxides
Formation of Calcium Hydroxide
Formation of Calcium Oxide (Quicklime)
Formation of Carbon Dioxide from Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Formation of Cadmium Oxide?
The balanced equation is: 2Cd + O₂ → 2CdO.
What type of reaction is Formation of Cadmium Oxide?
Formation of Cadmium Oxide is a synthesis reaction.
Is Formation of Cadmium Oxide exothermic or endothermic?
Formation of Cadmium Oxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -516.0 kJ/mol.