C

Carbon dioxide

IUPAC: carbon dioxide

CO2 Inorganic Compounds CAS 124-38-9
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationCO2
CAS Number124-38-9
Molecular Weight44.009
Melting Point-109.3 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling PointSublimes (NIOSH, 2024)
Density1.56 at -110.2 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubility0.2 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceCarbon dioxide appears as a colorless odorless gas at atmospheric temperatures and pressures. Relatively nontoxic and noncombustible. Heavier than air and may asphyxiate by the displacement of air....
Also Known Ascarbonic anhydride; 124-38-9; carbonic acid gas; Carbonic acid anhydride; methanedione; Carbonica; Kohlendioxyd; Carbon oxide, di-; Kohlensaure; Khladon 744
CategoryInorganic Compounds

What is Carbon dioxide?

Carbon dioxide is a one-carbon compound with formula CO2 in which the carbon is attached to each oxygen atom by a double bond. A colourless, odourless gas under normal conditions, it is produced during respiration by all animals, fungi and microorganisms that depend directly or indirectly on living or decaying plants for food. It has a role as a vasodilator agent, an anaesthetic, a solvent, an antagonist, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, a member of greenhouse gas, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite, a member of food packaging gas, a food propellant and a refrigerant. It is a gas molecular entity, a carbon oxide and a one-carbon compound.

Formula & Notation

CO2

IUPAC Name: carbon dioxide

Other Names / Synonyms: carbonic anhydride; 124-38-9; carbonic acid gas; Carbonic acid anhydride; methanedione; Carbonica; Kohlendioxyd; Carbon oxide, di-; Kohlensaure; Khladon 744

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Carbon dioxide appears as a colorless odorless gas at atmospheric temperatures and pressures. Relatively nontoxic and noncombustible. Heavier than air and may asphyxiate by the displacement of air..... Molecular formula: CO2. Molecular weight: 44.009 g/mol. Boiling point: Sublimes (NIOSH, 2024). Melting point: -109.3 °F (USCG, 1999). Density: 1.56 at -110.2 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: 0.2 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024). Vapor pressure: 56.5 atm (NIOSH, 2024). LogP: 0.9.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-109.3 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling PointSublimes (NIOSH, 2024)
Density1.56 at -110.2 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight44.009
Solubility0.2 % at 77 °F (NIOSH, 2024)
AppearanceCarbon dioxide appears as a colorless odorless gas at atmospheric temperatures and pressures. Relatively nontoxic and noncombustible. Heavier than air and may asphyxiate by the displacement of air....

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial processes, materials science, semiconductor manufacture, ceramics, or as a catalyst.

Safety Information

May be corrosive, toxic, or an oxidising agent. Handle in well-ventilated area. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Carbon dioxide
Formula CO2
CAS Number 124-38-9
Molecular Weight 44.009
Synonyms carbonic anhydride; 124-38-9; carbonic acid gas; Carbonic acid anhydride; methanedione; Carbonica; Kohlendioxyd; Carbon oxide, di-; Kohlensaure; Khladon 744

Frequently Asked Questions

Carbon dioxide is a one-carbon compound with formula CO2 in which the carbon is attached to each oxygen atom by a double bond. A colourless, odourless gas under normal conditions, it is produced during respiration by all animals, fungi and microorganisms that depend directly or indirectly on living or decaying plants for food. It has a role as a vasodilator agent, an anaesthetic, a solvent, an antagonist, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, a member of greenhouse gas, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite, a member of food packaging gas, a food propellant and a refrigerant. It is a gas molecular entity, a carbon oxide and a one-carbon compound.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.