Carbon Monoxide | Metro Welding Supply Corp.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCT

Carbon Monoxide (CO) gas is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is produced during the incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. While it can be dangerous in certain concentrations, it is a reliable and essential component for a wide range of industries, supporting critical processes in chemical synthesis, metallurgy, electronics manufacturing, and more.

10 KEY CHARACTERISTICS

1. Odorless: Carbon monoxide is odorless, which means it cannot be detected by the human sense of smell. This lack of odor makes it particularly dangerous as it can go unnoticed in enclosed spaces.
2. Colorless: CO is also colorless, making it visually imperceptible. This characteristic further adds to its stealthy nature.
3. Tasteless: Like its lack of odor and color, carbon monoxide is tasteless. This means it cannot be detected by the sense of taste, making it extremely difficult for humans to identify its presence.
4. Toxicity: Carbon monoxide is highly toxic to humans and animals. It interferes with the body's ability to transport oxygen, leading to potentially fatal health effects.
5. Highly Reactive: CO readily reacts with oxygen in the atmosphere, forming carbon dioxide (CO2) through combustion processes. This reaction is what makes it a byproduct of incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels.
6. Highly Flammable: While carbon monoxide itself is not flammable, it can support combustion. In certain conditions, it can contribute to fires.
7. Low Boiling Point: Carbon monoxide has a relatively low boiling point of around -191.5 degrees Celsius 313-450-9300 degrees Fahrenheit), which means it exists as a gas at room temperature and pressure.
8. Low Molecular Weight: CO has a low molecular weight of about 28.01 g/mol. This characteristic contributes to its ability to diffuse quickly in the air.
9. Highly Diffusive: Due to its low molecular weight, carbon monoxide is highly diffusive, meaning it spreads quickly in the air and can rapidly fill an enclosed space.
10. Stable at Standard Conditions: At standard temperature and pressure (STP), carbon monoxide is stable. This means it doesn't readily decompose or react with other substances under normal atmospheric conditions.

10 COMMON USES

1. Metallurgical Processes: CO is used in processes like the reduction of metal ores, a vital step in the production of metals like iron and steel.
2. Chemical Synthesis: It serves as a precursor in the production of chemicals like methanol, acetic acid, and formaldehyde. These chemicals are used in various industries.
3. Heat Treatment: CO is employed as a controlled atmosphere in heat treatment processes, allowing for precise control of material properties in metals and alloys.
4. Hydrogen Production: It is used in processes like steam methane reforming to produce hydrogen, a crucial component in various industries including petrochemicals and food processing.
5. Carbonylation Reactions: CO is used in carbonylation reactions to introduce a carbonyl group (-C=O) into organic molecules, a key step in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and other fine chemicals.
6. Gasification of Carbonaceous Materials: CO is employed in gasification processes to convert carbonaceous materials like coal, biomass, and waste into valuable gases like hydrogen and methane.
7. Metal Carbonyls Production: CO combines with certain metals to form metal carbonyl complexes. These compounds have uses in catalysts, electronic materials, and as intermediates in chemical synthesis.
8. Fuel Gas Production: CO can be converted into syngas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) through processes like water gas shift reactions. Syngas can be used as a fuel or as a feedstock for chemical processes.
9. Electronics Manufacturing: CO is used in semiconductor production for processes like chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to deposit thin films on silicon wafers.
10. Carbon Fiber Production: CO can be used as a feedstock in the production of carbon fibers, which are used in a wide range of applications including aerospace, automotive, and construction.