Carbon dioxide consists of two atoms of oxygen and one of carbon.

It is a gas that is formed in nature. In the human body it is generated by breathing, in the plant world by the plants that breathe in their own way.

It is also generated by burning oil, coal, etc.

What it is used for and where

Food

Ingredient included in the list of European food additives as E290. It is added to drinks to obtain a fizzy taste.

Cosmetics

Propellant.  A source of pressure stored in the internal phase of the emulsion that allows the contents to be expelled.

Other uses

Radiographic contrast agent.

CO₂ emitted in large quantities into the atmosphere can cause the greenhouse effect.

Not dangerous for itself, but it is necessary to avoid the very high quantities of this gas in small environments, as indeed happens also for oxygen.

Carbon dioxide studies

Molecular Formula: CO₂

Molecular Weight: 44.009 g/mol

UNII: 142M471B3J

CAS: 124-38-9  18923-20-1  14485-07-5  957761-35-2  1053656-66-8  1053659-60-1  1202865-27-7

EC Number: 204-696-9  606-167-1

PubChem Substance ID 24857758

MDL number MFCD00011491

Beilstein Registry Number 1900390

• carbonic anhydride
• Carbonic acid anhydride