Carbon Monoxide

Key Stage 3

Meaning

Carbon Monoxide is a toxic gaseous (at room temperature) compound with chemical formula CO.

About Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is a toxic gas which can lead to death.

Carbon Monoxide is produced when there is not enough Oxygen for a fuel to burn completely.

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Carbon Monoxide is a toxic gaseous (STP) compound with chemical formula CO.

About Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is a toxic because it binds to the haemoglobin in the blood preventing Oxygen from being carried to the cells for respiration.

Carbon Monoxide is produced due to the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons and other organic compounds:

Methane + Oxygen → Carbon Monoxide + Water

<chem>2CH4 + 3O2 -> 2CO + 4H2O</chem>

Ethane + Oxygen → Carbon Monoxide + Water

<chem>2C2H6 + 5O2 -> 4CO + 6H2O</chem>

Ethane + Oxygen → Soot + Carbon Monoxide + Water

<chem>2C2H6 + 4O2 -> 2C + 2CO + 6H2O</chem>

Ethene + Oxygen → Carbon Monoxide + Water

<chem>C2H4 + 2O2 -> 2CO + 2H2O</chem>

Ethene + Oxygen → Soot + Carbon Monoxide + Water

<chem>2C2H4 + 3O2 -> 2C + 2CO + 4H2O</chem>

Methanol + Oxygen → Carbon Monoxide + Water

<chem>CH3OH + O2 -> CO + 2H2O</chem>

Ethanol + Oxygen → Carbon Monoxide + Water

<chem>C2H5OH + 2O2 -> 2CO + 3H2O</chem>

Ethanol + Oxygen → Soot + Carbon Monoxide + Water

<chem>2C2H5OH + 3O2 -> 2C + 2CO + 6H2O</chem>