Informative Guide

About CO₂
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a slightly toxic, odorless, colorless gas with a slightly pungent, acid taste. It is formed by combustion and by biological processes including decomposition of organic material, fermentation and digestion. As a commercial product , producing CO₂ requires that it can be recovered and purified from a relatively high-volume, CO₂-rich gas stream. It is generated as an unavoidable byproduct of a large-scale combustion or biological process.

CO₂ gas is 1.5 times as heavy as air. It will form “ dry ice " at -78.5ºC (-109.3º F). Gaseous or liquid carbon dioxide, stored under pressure, will form dry ice through an auto-refrigeration process if rapidly de-pressured.

Carbon dioxide is prepared by treating any metallic carbonate with dilute mineral acids, or

CaCO3 + 2 HCl ==> CaCl2 + H2O + CO₂
OR
By heating carbonates of metals other than alkali metals.

Heat
MgCO3 ==> MgO + CO₂

Carbon dioxide is classified as a greenhouse gas because of its ability to absorb infrared light. It plays a major role as a component of the carbon cycle in which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, the terrestrial biosphere (which includes freshwater systems and soil), the oceans, and sediments (including fossil fuels). Now even it remains the subject of much research and debate.

Properties of CO₂

Physical properties of CO₂ :-
Carbon dioxide is a colorless & odorless gas. It is soluble in water, ethanol , acetone and has the following properties :

• Melting Point : -55.6 degC
• Boiling Point : -78.5 degC
• Density : 1.977

Chemical properties of CO₂ :-

• Carbon dioxide is a linear covalent molecule.
• Carbon dioxide is an acidic oxide and reacts with water to give carbonic acid.
• CO₂ + H2O ==> H2CO3
• Carbon dioxide reacts with alkalis to give carbonates and bicarbonates.
• CO₂ + NaOH ==> NaHCO3 (Sodium BiCarbonate )
• NaHCO3 + NaOH ==> Na2CO3 (Sodium Carbonate) + H2O

Uses of CO₂

1. It is used to neutralize alkaline water.
2. Carbon dioxide is used as an additive to oxygen for medical use as a respiration stimulant
3. It is a good solvent for many organic compounds.
4. Used as a propellant in aerosol cans, it replaces more environmentally troublesome alternatives
5. It is used for refrigeration and cooling.
6. It is used as an inert gas in chemical processes, in the storage of carbon powder and in fire extinguishers.
7. It is used in solid as well as in liquid form
8. It is used in metal industry in the formation of casting molds to enhance their hardness
9. Carbon dioxide gas is used to carbonate soft drinks, beers and wine and to prevent fungal and bacterial growth.
10. Large quantities are used as a raw material in the chemical process industry, especially for methanol and urea production.
11. It is used in oil wells for oil extraction and maintain pressure within a formation
12. Liquid or solid carbon dioxide is used for quick freezing, surface freezing, chilling and refrigeration in the transport of foods etc.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of CO₂

Hazards Identification:

• Emergency Overview: Amber glass bottle packed inside a cardboard box. Clear, orange colored solution with camphor like odor. May cause eye irritation. For eyes-only.
  
  
• Eye: May cause temporary stinging, burning and conjunctival redness.
  
  
• Skin: May cause irritation, dermatitis and hypersensi-tivity in some individuals.
  
  
• Ingestion: May cause irritation and hypersensitivity in some individuals. Will produce a yellow or green discoloration to the mouth.
  
  
• Inhalation: Aspiration of the medication may produce irritation and hypersensitivity in some individuals.
  
  
• Chronic Effects: Prolonged use may delay wound healing and is not recommended.
  
  
• Target Organs: Eyes, skin and central nervous system.
  
  
• Medical Conditions Aggravated by Long Term Exposure: This preparation should be used cautiously and sparingly in patients with cardiac disease, hypothyroidism or allergies.

First Aid Measures:

• Skin: Remove all contaminated clothing and wash skin with copious amounts of water for at least 20 minutes. Contact physician if skin becomes irritated.
• Eyes: Rinse immediately with copious amounts of water for at least 20 minutes. Contact a physician.
• Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air, and if breathing stops, use artificial respiration. Contact physician.
• Ingestion: Wash out mouth and drink plenty of water and bland fluids. The use of an emetic drug and/or gastric lavage is advisable. Do not give anything to an unconscious person. Contact physician.

Fire Fighting Measures:

• Hazardous Products: Emits toxic fumes, nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).
• Fire Fighting Instructions: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Do not spray water into the burning material.
• Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, carbon dioxide, halon, water spray or fog, and foam on surrounding materials.

Accidental Release Measures

• Large/Small Spills: Use personal protective equipment. Contain the spill to prevent drainage into sewers, drains or streams. Use absorbent material to solidify the spill. Shovel up solidified waste.

Handling and Storage

• Handling: Avoid contact with product and use caution to prevent puncturing containers. No special protective equipment or procedures are required in the clinical or home environment.
• Storage: Store product upright in original containers with the cap tightly closed at a controlled room temperature 150-300 C (590- 860 F).

KEEP THIS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.