Important Compounds of Carbon

Carbon is an element in the periodic table bearing an electron configuration of 2.4. This implies it is a group four element as it has four valence electrons. The electron configuration also implies it is a period two element as it has two electron shells. Carbon has several isotopes, or substances with same atomic numbers, but different mass numbers. Isotopes of carbon include graphite, diamond and amorphous carbon.
  1. Carbon Monoxide

    • Carbon monoxide constitutes of one carbon atom bonded with one oxygen atom using two covalent bonds and one dative bond. The scientific chemical symbol of carbon monoxide is CO. It is a compound formed from the incomplete combustion of carbon in air. This means that the carbon combusted in an environment that had a limited supply of oxygen. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas. This gas is toxic and not easily detectable. Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure include nausea, headaches, dizziness, and disorientation. In extreme cases, exposure can be fatal.

    Carbon Dioxide

    • Carbon dioxide is a compound made of one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms covalently. Its chemical symbol is CO2. It was discovered by Scottish physician Joseph Black in the 1750s. Just like carbon monoxide gas, carbon dioxide is colorless and odorless. Carbon dioxide is also generated from combustion, but unlike carbon monoxide, it is formed when carbon burns in an environment with an abundant supply of oxygen gas. Carbon dioxide is slightly acidic and non-flammable. Plants use carbon in the process of photosynthesis. In the commercial world, it is used in fire extinguishers.

    Butane

    • Butane is a carbon compound of the alkane series composed of 10 hydrogen atoms and four carbon atoms that are bonded covalently. Its chemical formula is C4H10. Butane is also a colorless and odorless gas just as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, and is highly flammable.

    Glucose

    • Glucose is a complex carbon compound made of six carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms and six oxygen atoms. The chemical formula of glucose is conventionally C6H12O6. Glucose is classified as a monosaccharide, implying you can not obtain simpler products from it. Glucose is a carbohydrate and is the major product of photosynthesis.

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