Chemistry Project

Zara Ootam – 9B
 Atmospheric Pollution
• The environment comprises of the chemical, physical and biological world that we
live in which is air, gases, water and land.
• The environment changes from region to region due to a combination of different
factors.
• Industrial activities and modern modes of transport add harmful substances to the
environment. These substances are harmful and toxic.
• They are considered to be the principle cause of pollution.
• There are natural and man-made sources of pollution :
• a. Natural Sources are Volcanoes and decaying vegetation
• b. Man-made Sources are Factories, Automobiles and Industrial processes
• Pollutants are major public health concerns and include carbon monoxide, sulphur
dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone.
• Air quality is closely linked to the Earth’s climate and ecosystems globally. Policies
to reduce air pollution have been made in order to protect the Earth.
 Carbon Monoxide - Introduction
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) known as the Invisible Killer is a
poisonous, flammable gas that is colourless, odourless,
tasteless and slightly less dense that the air.
• Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms
and can be fatal.
• Carbon Monoxide is considered a compound with carbon and
oxygen as elements.
• Carbon is in Group 14 on the Periodic Table.
• Carbon monoxide does not show basic and acidic properties
when it reacts with water. Therefore, it is a Neutral Oxide.
 CO – Cause of leakage into the Environment

• CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks,
small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges or furnaces. CO
can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.
• Vehicle exhaust fumes and bushfires are the highest emitters of carbon
monoxide. Other sources include the internal combustion engines of
chainsaws and leaf blowers, as well as charcoal heaters, such as
barbeques, wood stoves, gas water heaters, gas stoves, fuel-fired heaters,
fireplaces and gas dryers.
• The most common causes of carbon monoxide building up are incorrectly
installed or poorly maintained or ventilated appliances – like stoves and
hot water heaters. Poorly ventilated fireplaces and other gas or wood
burning appliances can also pose danger.
 Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
• Chemical Synthesis: CO is a key building block in the production of various chemicals, including acetic acid and
methanol.
• Metal Extraction: It is used in the production of iron and steel through processes like the reduction of iron ore.
• Catalyst: CO acts as a catalyst in certain reactions, enhancing the efficiency of chemical processes.
• Laboratory Research: CO is utilized in laboratory settings for specific experimental procedures and chemical
analyses.
Disadvantages
• High Toxicity: CO binds strongly to hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which reduces the oxygen-carrying
capacity of blood. This high affinity for hemoglobin is a disadvantage in biological systems.
• Incomplete Combustion Product: CO is a product of incomplete combustion, indicating inefficiency in
combustion processes. Incomplete combustion can occur in various systems, such as car engines and industrial
furnaces.
• Low Ignition Temperature: Carbon monoxide has a low ignition temperature, making it more prone to
combustion than other gases. This can contribute to fire hazards in certain conditions.
• Lack of Color or Odor: The absence of color or odor in CO makes it challenging to detect without specialized
equipment. This poses risks in situations where accidental exposure may occur.
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: In chemistry, the term "poisoning" refers to the inhibition of a catalyst or reaction.
In the context of CO, it binds to metal catalysts, reducing their effectiveness in various chemical processes.
 Case Study
Carbon Monoxide in Industrial Chemistry
• Introduction: In an industrial setting, carbon monoxide (CO) plays a significant role
in various chemical processes, showcasing its versatility and importance. Let's
explore a case study involving the use of carbon monoxide in the production of
methanol.
• Objective: The objective of this case study is to highlight the key steps and
reactions involved in the synthesis of methanol using carbon monoxide as a crucial
raw material.
• Preparation: Carbon monoxide is often derived from the partial oxidation of
carbon-containing compounds or through the water-gas shift reaction.
• Syngas Production: Carbon monoxide is combined with hydrogen to form syngas
(synthesis gas), typically in a ratio of 1:2. The syngas production involves high
temperature processes such as steam methane reforming or coal gasification.
• Methanol Synthesis: The syngas is then used in the catalytic synthesis of
methanol. A catalyst, often based on copper and zinc oxide facilitates the reaction
of carbon monoxide and hydrogen to produce methanol.
 Case Study
• Purification: The crude methanol product undergoes purification processes to
remove impurities, including unreacted carbon monoxide.
• Final Product: The purified methanol is obtained as the final product, ready for use
in various industrial applications, including the production of formaldehyde,
plastics, and fuels.
• Advantages: Carbon monoxide serves as a crucial component in the synthesis gas,
providing the necessary carbon atoms for the methanol production process.
• The ability of CO to act as a reducing agent facilitates the conversion of metal
oxides in catalysts during the synthesis.
• Challenges: Ensuring safety measures due to the toxicity and flammability of
carbon monoxide is a critical concern.
• Conclusion: This case study highlights the central role of carbon monoxide in
industrial chemistry specifically in the synthesis of methanol. The handling of
carbon monoxide necessitates careful attention to safety and process optimization.
The study underscores the importance of understanding the chemistry of carbon
monoxide in designing efficient and safe industrial processes.
Thank You !