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Why are pure mixtures of carbon monoxide and oxygen difficult to ignite?
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combustion
Learn about the chemistry of lighting a match.
Pure mixtures of carbon monoxide and oxygen are difficult to ignite because their combustion mechanism is not yet fully understood, and the reaction typically requires the presence of hydrogen or hydrogen compounds to proceed efficiently.1
In practical settings, the oxidation of carbon monoxide usually occurs alongside hydrogen, which facilitates a faster reaction through the interaction of hydroxyl radicals. Without these hydrogen-based components, the mixture can only be ignited under specific, demanding conditions, such as the application of high-energy sparks or exposure to high pressures and temperatures.1