Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
carbon oxide
References
Britannica AI Icon

carbon oxide

Written by
The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

The Information Architects maintain a master list of the topics included in the corpus of  Encyclopædia Britannica, and create and manage the relationships between them.
The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last updated

Quick Summary

Carbon oxides are compounds formed between carbon and oxygen. The most common are carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and highly toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels, making it a significant air pollutant. It is industrially manufactured for chemical production and is also a byproduct of internal combustion engines and furnaces. Carbon monoxide is dangerous because it binds to red blood cells more readily than oxygen, hindering oxygen transport throughout the body and potentially leading to suffocation. Carbon dioxide, on the other hand, is a natural component of the atmosphere and a product of complete combustion.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
5 Britannica Sources
  1. carbon monoxide
  2. oxide - Carbon monoxide
  3. carbonic oxide
  4. carbon oxide
  5. coal utilization - Types and sizes of coke

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.