Chapter: Understanding Carbon Dioxide
Introduction
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a significant gas present in the Earth’s atmosphere, making up about 0.02
to 0.03% of its volume. This colourless, acidic gas has a molecular weight of 44. It is heavier than
air, leading to its accumulation in lower levels of the atmosphere, particularly in deep wells, mines,
and caves. The primary sources of carbon dioxide include the combustion of carbon-containing
fuels, the respiration of living organisms, volcanic eruptions, and vehicle exhaust.
Understanding carbon dioxide is crucial due to its vital role in sustaining life on Earth.
Molecular Structure and Properties
Molecular Formula: CO₂
Bonding: Covalent
Physical Properties:
o Non-combustible and does not support combustion.
o Sour taste due to its formation of carbonic acid in water.
o 1.5 times heavier than air.
o Non-toxic but can cause suffocation in high concentrations.
o Can be converted to a liquid under high pressure and low temperature; when cooled below -78°C, it
forms dry ice.
Laboratory Preparation of Carbon Dioxide
Principle: Carbon dioxide gas can be generated through a reaction between dilute hydrochloric
acid (HCl) and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), commonly found in marble or limestone.
Chemical Reaction:
[ \text{CaCO}_3 + 2 \text{HCl} \rightarrow \text{CaCl}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2 ]
Apparatus Required
Woulfe’s Bottle
Gas Jar
Thistle Funnel
Delivery Tube
Chemicals Required
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃)
Dilute Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
Procedure
1. Place marble chips in a Woulfe’s bottle.
2. Set up the apparatus as illustrated.
3. Pour dilute hydrochloric acid through the thistle funnel to cover the marble chips.
4. Upon contact with the acid, effervescence occurs, producing carbon dioxide.
5. Collect the gas in a gas jar by upward displacement of air through the delivery tube.
Tips and Precautions
Use dilute hydrochloric acid instead of dilute sulfuric acid, as the latter forms calcium sulfate, which
inhibits the reaction.
Ensure apparatus is airtight and that the delivery tube does not touch the solution.
Testing for Carbon Dioxide
Combustion Test: A burning candle is extinguished when brought near a jar of carbon dioxide,
confirming its presence.
Litmus Test: Carbon dioxide turns moist blue litmus paper red, indicating its acidic nature.
Lime Water Test: Passing CO₂ through lime water results in a milky white solution due to the
formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃):
[ \text{CO}_2 + \text{Ca(OH)}_2 \rightarrow \text{CaCO}_3 + \text{H}_2\text{O} ]
If passed for an extended period, the milky appearance disappears due to the formation of
soluble calcium bicarbonate.
Chemical Properties
1. Reaction with water :
When carbon dioxide gas is passed through water, it gives carbonic acid
CO2 + H2O → H2CO3 Carbonic acid)
2. Reaction with magnesium: Burning magnesium ribbon burns with carbon dioxide to
produce magnesium oxide and carbon.
CO2 + 2Mg → 2MgO + C
3. Reaction with lime water:
When carbon dioxide reacts with lime water, it produces insoluble calcium carbonate.
CO₂ + Ca (OH)2 → CaCO3 + H₂O
As we pass more amount of carbon dioxide gas through this solution, soluble calcium
bicarbonate is
obtained.
CaCO3 + H2O + CO₂ → Ca (HCO3)2
4. Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid. This gas is mixed in soft drinks
at
high pressure to bring a sour taste in them.
CO2(g) + H₂O → H₂CO₃ (aq)
5. When a few drops of KOH are added inside a test tube filled with CO2,
and inverted in water, the water level rises inside the test tube. During
this process KOH absorbs CO2inside the test tube creating low pressure
there rushing water into it.
2KOH + CO2 →K₂CO₃ + H₂O
6. Carbon dioxide reacts with red hot coke at 900° to form carbon monoxide.
CO₂ + C → 2CO
7. Green plants prepare their food in the form of carbohydrates by the
reaction of carbon dioxide absorbed from air and water absorbed by roots
in the presence of sunlight trapped by chlorophyll in their leaves
Uses of Carbon Dioxide
1. Carbonated Beverages: CO₂ is dissolved under pressure in soft drinks.
2. Photosynthesis: Essential for plant food production.
3. Dry Ice: Used for preserving food by maintaining low temperatures.
4. Purification of Sugar: Liquid CO₂ is employed in sugar mills.
5. Chemical Production: Used in the synthesis of urea, washing soda, and baking soda.
6. Fire Extinguishers: CO₂ is used to extinguish fires by creating a blanket that suffocates flames. The
reaction of sodium bicarbonate and sulfuric acid generates CO₂ rapidly when needed.
Conclusion
Carbon dioxide is an essential gas that plays a critical role in various biological and chemical
processes. From its laboratory preparation and testing methods to its practical applications in
industries, CO₂ is essential for life and various scientific applications. Understanding its properties
and uses underscores its significance in both ecological and industrial contexts. As we continue to
study carbon dioxide’s effects on the environment and its applications, it remains clear that this
seemingly simple gas is integral to life on Earth and various technological processes.