Question

Which of the following oxides of carbon are stable? (a) \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) (b) \(\mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{O}_{2}\) (c) \(\mathrm{CO}\) (d) All of these

Short answer

All the given oxides are stable.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Common Carbon Oxides

The most common oxides of carbon are carbon monoxide (\(\mathrm{CO}\)) and carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO}_2\)). We need to determine their stability based on known chemical properties.

Investigate Stability of \(\mathrm{CO}_2\)

Carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO}_2\)) is a widely recognized stable compound. It is a major component of the Earth's atmosphere and is formed by the complete combustion of carbon.

Investigate Stability of \(\mathrm{CO}\)

Carbon monoxide (\(\mathrm{CO}\)) is also a stable molecule but is toxic to humans. It forms through partial combustion of carbon. Despite its hazards, it remains stable unless subject to specific reactions like oxidation to \(\mathrm{CO}_2\).

Analyze \(\mathrm{C}_3\mathrm{O}_2\)

Propadiene (\(\mathrm{C}_3\mathrm{O}_2\)) is less common compared to \(\mathrm{CO}\) and \(\mathrm{CO}_2\). It is stable under specific conditions, although less so than the other two aforementioned oxides.

Determine Overall Stability

Since all the given options, \(\mathrm{CO}_2\), \(\mathrm{C}_3\mathrm{O}_2\), and \(\mathrm{CO}\), can exist in stable forms, option (d) 'All of these' is indeed correct.

Key concepts

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide, represented as \(\mathrm{CO}_2\), is an integral part of Earth's atmosphere. It is composed of one carbon atom double-bonded to two oxygen atoms. This structure is linear, which gives \(\mathrm{CO}_2\) its stability. Some key points regarding carbon dioxide:

• Chemical Stability: It is very stable and non-toxic, which is why it is abundantly found in our environment.
• Formation: \(\mathrm{CO}_2\) is produced through processes like the complete combustion of carbon-based fuels and respiration in living organisms.
• Environmental Role: It is a greenhouse gas, playing a significant role in regulating temperature by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Due to its stability and presence, \(\mathrm{CO}_2\) is frequently used in different industrial applications, including carbonation in beverages and as a fire extinguisher.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide, \(\mathrm{CO}\), is a colorless and odorless gas composed of one carbon atom bonded to one oxygen atom. Although it is a stable molecule, it is hazardous due to its toxic nature. Here are important aspects of carbon monoxide:

• Chemical Structure: The bond in \(\mathrm{CO}\) is a triple bond, giving it considerable stability compared to many other oxides.
• Formation:** It typically forms through the incomplete combustion of carbon fuels, which occurs when there is limited oxygen available.
• Risks and Precautions:** Though stable, \(\mathrm{CO}\) is dangerous as it can bind with hemoglobin in the blood, preventing oxygen transport. Proper ventilation can mitigate these risks.

Despite its toxic dangers, \(\mathrm{CO}\) is used industrially as a reducing agent for extracting metals from their ores and in synthesizing certain chemicals.

Propadiene

Propadiene, denoted as \(\mathrm{C}_3\mathrm{O}_2\), is an intriguing oxide of carbon. It is less commonly encountered than carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. Here are essential details about propadiene:

• Chemical Characteristics: It is a linear molecule often described as a di-oxide of carbon. Its chemical stability is lower compared to \(\mathrm{CO}_2\) or \(\mathrm{CO}\).
• Existence Conditions:** Propadiene exists stably under specific, controlled laboratory conditions but is not typically found in nature or industrial applications.
• Reactivity: Due to its structure, \(\mathrm{C}_3\mathrm{O}_2\) can readily react under certain conditions, which limits its stability in broader environments.

Propadiene's unique properties make it a subject of interest in research, although its practical uses are limited compared to other, more stable carbon oxides.