Carbon Monoxide : Useful but Deadly
When we say the word "carbon monoxide", the first thing that
comes to our mind is pollution and dangerous diseases that are associated with
it. Let us find out more about this otherwise harmless
molecule.....
Carbon Monoxide: Useful but Deadly
The word "carbon monoxide" is associated with deadly diseases and pollution. However, in reality, it is a simple molecule that regularly gets a bad reputation in the press! It is in fact quite useful in many parts of the chemical industry.
Let us reintroduce you to Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a very versatile element and forms the basis for all of organic chemistry. It is the main greenhouse gas and is constantly monitored by pressure groups throughout the world. Carbon monoxide is made up of molecules containing one carbon atom and one oxygen atom. Both of these atoms join together with a multiple covalent bond. The molecule formed as a result is used to make useful chemicals such as aldehydes, which can be used to make detergents, methanol and acetic acid.
How do you produce Carbon Monoxide?
The chemical industry has developed several different ways of making this gas. One way of preparing this gas is by heating carbon in the form of coke with a limited supply of oxygen. The product prepared by this method is called "producer gas".
It can also be made by making steam react with carbon. The result of this reaction is called "water gas" or "synthesis gas". It is also formed whenever any organic fuel is burned in an enclosed space. This is because it is only being partially burned. Normally when coal or natural gas is burned, the by-products are water and carbon dioxide. Although this does contribute to climate change, it isn't immediately damaging our health. When there is a limit to the amount of oxygen available, for instance in a less ventilated room, the products of combustion of these fuels is carbon monoxide.
Why and how is it harmful?
Carbon monoxide has always been called "The Silent Killer" because it is a colourless, odourless gas and turns deadly when inhaled by humans. When inhaled, it binds to the haemoglobin in our bloodstream and prevents oxygen from binding to it and this suffocates the victim.
When exposed to carbon monoxide, we get flu-like symptoms and headaches. The central nervous system and heart begin to get affected and death follows.
But like every coin has 2 sides, carbon monoxide is both useful and harmful.
Carbon Monoxide: Useful but Deadly
The word "carbon monoxide" is associated with deadly diseases and pollution. However, in reality, it is a simple molecule that regularly gets a bad reputation in the press! It is in fact quite useful in many parts of the chemical industry.
Let us reintroduce you to Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a very versatile element and forms the basis for all of organic chemistry. It is the main greenhouse gas and is constantly monitored by pressure groups throughout the world. Carbon monoxide is made up of molecules containing one carbon atom and one oxygen atom. Both of these atoms join together with a multiple covalent bond. The molecule formed as a result is used to make useful chemicals such as aldehydes, which can be used to make detergents, methanol and acetic acid.
How do you produce Carbon Monoxide?
The chemical industry has developed several different ways of making this gas. One way of preparing this gas is by heating carbon in the form of coke with a limited supply of oxygen. The product prepared by this method is called "producer gas".
It can also be made by making steam react with carbon. The result of this reaction is called "water gas" or "synthesis gas". It is also formed whenever any organic fuel is burned in an enclosed space. This is because it is only being partially burned. Normally when coal or natural gas is burned, the by-products are water and carbon dioxide. Although this does contribute to climate change, it isn't immediately damaging our health. When there is a limit to the amount of oxygen available, for instance in a less ventilated room, the products of combustion of these fuels is carbon monoxide.
Why and how is it harmful?
Carbon monoxide has always been called "The Silent Killer" because it is a colourless, odourless gas and turns deadly when inhaled by humans. When inhaled, it binds to the haemoglobin in our bloodstream and prevents oxygen from binding to it and this suffocates the victim.
When exposed to carbon monoxide, we get flu-like symptoms and headaches. The central nervous system and heart begin to get affected and death follows.
But like every coin has 2 sides, carbon monoxide is both useful and harmful.
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