Carbon monoxide / CO

Gas Identification

Other denomination

Carbon monoxide

CAS Registry Number

630-08-0

SCBA type

SCBA

Chemical properties

Molecular formula

Molecular mass

28 g/mol

Physical properties

Boiling point

-191 °C

Autoignition temperature

605 °C

Gas/Vapour density

0,968

14,01 eV

Flammability limit

LFL

12,5 % v/v

UFL

74,2 % v/v

Threshold limit value

TLV-TWA

20 ppm • 23 mg/m³

TLV-STEL

100 ppm • 117 mg/m³

Description and use

Warnings and caution

Related products

Carbon monoxide : Description and use

Description

Carbon monoxide is the simplest oxocarbon. This chemical compound is a gas under normal pressure and temperature conditions. It is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, compressed gas.
It is especially toxic to mammals yet they cannot detect it. In humans, it causes several poisonings in the home, which are often fatal, and which could be prevented by using a carbon monoxide detector. It is released when carbon compounds are not fully combusted, and it is amplified by a poor supply of fresh air and/or poor evacuation of combustion products (ventilation). It easily mixes with air as both gases have similar densities.
Carbon monoxide is a colourless, non-irritant, odourless gas.

Flammability: Carbon monoxide is a flammable gas. In sufficient concentrations, it catches fire quickly in air in the presence of a source of static electricity, a spark, an open flame or any other source of ignition or combustion.
Explosiveness: Carbon monoxide forms explosive mixtures with air when found in concentrations of between 12.5 and 74.0%.

USE

In metallurgy as a reducing agent: for example, to extract and refine nickel from crude ore (Mond process) or to produce special steels.
In the chemical industry for the synthesis of several compounds, including methanol, acetic acid, formic acid, acrylic acid, phosgene, polycarbonates, polyketones, etc.
To manufacture metal carbonyls, particularly iron carbonyl.
To produce high-purity products: for example, the powdered metal "zinc oxide" used as a pigment in paint and varnish.
As a combustible gas, on its own or in a mixture.
In the electronics sector, for ablation processes in the etching of dielectrics.

Carbon monoxide : Warnings and caution

GHS hazard statements

H220 - Extremely flammable gas.
H360D - May damage the unborn child.
H331 - Toxic if inhaled.
H372 - Causes damage to organs.

GHS precautionary statements

P210 - Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, hot surfaces. No smoking.
P260 - Do not breathe gas.
P271 - Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P304+P340 - IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing.
P308+P313 - IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.
P403+P233 - Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
P321 - Specific treatment: if feeling unwell after inhalation, give victim pure oxygen.

SGH08 : Sensibilisant, mutagène, cancérogène, reprotoxique

Carbon monoxide : Related products