Carbon dioxide is the focus of public concern in recent years due to the increasing concentration of this gas in the atmosphere as a result of the combustion of fossel fuels. The gas is implicated in the Greenhouse Effect . The carbon dioxide which is present in the atmosphere is produced by respiration and by combustion. However, it has a short residence time in this phase as it is both consumed by plants during photosynthesis. Physical Properties of Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide is a colourless odourless gas, which is soluble in water, in ethanol and in acetone.
Carbon dioxide is an acidic oxide and reacts with water to give carbonic acid.
H2CO3 Carbon dioxide reacts with alkalis to give carbonates and bicarbonates. Carbon dioxide is also used in fire extinguishers as a desirable alternative to water for most fires. It is a constituent of medical gases as it promotes exhalation. It is also used in carbonated drinks. Chemical Properties of Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide is a linear covalent molecule.