Important Compounds of Carbon
Discusses key carbon compounds including oxides (CO, CO2), important carbides, silicon carbide, and carbon tetrachloride.
What is Important Compounds of Carbon?
A binary compound of carbon with a less electronegative element.
Key formula / rule: Reaction of Calcium Carbide with Water
Key points
- Identify and describe the properties of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
- Explain the preparation and uses of calcium carbide and silicon carbide.
- Understand the properties, preparation, and environmental impact of carbon tetrachloride.
Common exam trap
Confusing the properties and preparation of CO and CO2.
Definitions
- Term
Carbide
- Meaning
A binary compound of carbon with a less electronegative element.
- Term
Reducing Agent
- Meaning
A substance that loses electrons or causes reduction in a chemical reaction.
- Term
Abrasive
- Meaning
A material used for grinding, polishing, or cleaning, typically a hard, coarse substance.
Learning objectives
Identify and describe the properties of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Explain the preparation and uses of calcium carbide and silicon carbide.
Understand the properties, preparation, and environmental impact of carbon tetrachloride.
Formulae
- Name
Reaction of Calcium Carbide with Water
- Note
Produces acetylene gas.
- Expression
CaC2(s) + 2H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(aq) + C2H2(g)
- Name
Formation of Carbon Tetrachloride (from Methane)
- Note
Substitution reaction.
- Expression
CH4(g) + 4Cl2(g) --(UV light or heat)-→ CCl4(l) + 4HCl(g)
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of chemical bonding and valency of carbon.
Knowledge of oxidation states.
Familiarity with common chemical reactions (combustion, hydrolysis).
Common mistakes
Confusing the properties and preparation of CO and CO2.
Forgetting the reaction of calcium carbide with water.
Misidentifying the uses of silicon carbide and carbon tetrachloride.
Not recognizing the toxicity of CO and CCl4.
Keywords
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Dioxide
Carbides
Calcium Carbide
Silicon Carbide
Carbon Tetrachloride
Reducing Agent
Photosynthesis
Dry Ice
Carborundum
Practice preview
Consider the following statements regarding carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2): (A) CO is more soluble in water than CO2. (B) CO is a Lewis acid, while CO2 is a Lewis base. (C) The bond order in CO is 3, and i…
hard
Which of the following is a neutral oxide of carbon?…
easy
Which of the following is a neutral oxide?…
easy