7
Properties of the Carbon Dioxide
Molecule
Abstract
The basic aspects of the reactivity of carbon dioxide are featured, related to the
electronic structure of the molecule. The phase diagram of CO 2 is also discussed
for understanding how CO 2 exists in different conditions of temperature and
pressure.
7.1 Electronic Properties of CO 2
The knowledge of the electronic (and physical) properties of CO 2 is fundamental
for understanding the reactivity of CO 2 , which means the behavior toward a variety
of reagents and in diverse conditions, which will be discussed in following chapters.
While we have tried to make a very basic approach to such complex subject,
nevertheless, the arguments are quite specific and may not be of common understanding. We invite the reader (hoping there will be at least one!) to try to catch the
essential message and take home the fundamentals for understanding the behavior
of CO 2 in reactive systems. In the Dictionary of Terms in the Appendix, we have
tried to “vulgarize” main terms and concepts trying to make them more accessible.
Thanks for the effort you will do going through the following text!
7.1.1 The Ground State of Carbon Dioxide and Its Geometry
In its electronic ground state, the carbon dioxide molecule has a linear geometry
(Fig. 7.1) and belongs to the point group D ∞h . Both C-O bonds are equivalent with
an equilibrium distance equal to 116.00 pm, as established by electron diffraction
[1]. Both carbon–oxygen bonds are polar, due to the higher capacity of the O-atom
with respect to carbon of attracting electrons (higher electronegativity) [2].
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
M. Aresta and A. Dibenedetto, The Carbon Dioxide Revolution,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59061-1_7
101
Properties of the Carbon Dioxide
Molecule
Abstract
The basic aspects of the reactivity of carbon dioxide are featured, related to the
electronic structure of the molecule. The phase diagram of CO 2 is also discussed
for understanding how CO 2 exists in different conditions of temperature and
pressure.
7.1 Electronic Properties of CO 2
The knowledge of the electronic (and physical) properties of CO 2 is fundamental
for understanding the reactivity of CO 2 , which means the behavior toward a variety
of reagents and in diverse conditions, which will be discussed in following chapters.
While we have tried to make a very basic approach to such complex subject,
nevertheless, the arguments are quite specific and may not be of common understanding. We invite the reader (hoping there will be at least one!) to try to catch the
essential message and take home the fundamentals for understanding the behavior
of CO 2 in reactive systems. In the Dictionary of Terms in the Appendix, we have
tried to “vulgarize” main terms and concepts trying to make them more accessible.
Thanks for the effort you will do going through the following text!
7.1.1 The Ground State of Carbon Dioxide and Its Geometry
In its electronic ground state, the carbon dioxide molecule has a linear geometry
(Fig. 7.1) and belongs to the point group D ∞h . Both C-O bonds are equivalent with
an equilibrium distance equal to 116.00 pm, as established by electron diffraction
[1]. Both carbon–oxygen bonds are polar, due to the higher capacity of the O-atom
with respect to carbon of attracting electrons (higher electronegativity) [2].
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021
M. Aresta and A. Dibenedetto, The Carbon Dioxide Revolution,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-59061-1_7
101