Chemical Properties of Carbon and its compounds

Chemical Properties of Carbon and its compounds

Elemental carbon undergoes no reaction at room temperature and limited number of reactions at elevated temperatures. But its compounds undergo large number of reactions even at room temperature.

Oxidation – (Reaction with oxygen)

Carbon combines with oxygen to form its oxides like carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) with evolution of heat. Organic carbon compounds like hydrocarbon also undergo oxidation to form oxides and steam with evolution of heat and flame. This is otherwise called Burning.

2C_(s) + O_2(g) → 2CO_(g)+ heat

C_(s) + O_2(g) → CO_2(g) + heat

CH_4(g) + 2O_2(g) → CO_2(g) + 2H₂O_(g) + heat

Reaction with steam

Carbon reacts with steam to form carbon ­monoxide and hydrogen. This mixture is called water gas.

C_(s) + H₂O_(g) → CO_(g) + H_2(g)

Reaction with sulphur

With sulphur, carbon forms its disulphide at high temperature.

C_(s) + S_(g) → CS_2(g)

Reaction with metals

At elevated temperatures, carbon reacts with some metals like iron, tungsten, Titanium, etc. to form their carbides.

W_(s) + C_(g) → WC_(s)