Carbon dioxide
Description
Carbon dioxide (CAS 124-38-9), also supplied under the refrigerant designation R744 and approved food additive E-290, is one of the most broadly sourced industrial gases in global supply chains.
It functions as a pH modifier, preservative, carbonation agent, and refrigerant across food processing, energy, and industrial applications. In food and beverage production, CO₂ is injected into soft drinks and beer.
This process delivers carbonation and contributes mild acidity to the final product. Cold chain logistics and perishable food packaging rely on it in solid form and as a modified atmosphere gas to suppress microbial growth.
In oil and gas operations, it is injected into reservoirs for enhanced oil recovery. It is also used in supercritical extraction processes for natural flavors, hops, and caffeine to ensure high purity and efficiency.
Water treatment facilities use it to neutralize alkaline effluent and stabilize pH before discharge or distribution. Carbon dioxide is supplied as a compressed gas in cylinders or as a cryogenic liquid in bulk tankers.
It is also available as dry ice in block or pellet form for various cooling needs. Food-grade and beverage-grade specifications are available meeting FCC and E-290 purity standards for safety.
Industrial and technical grades are also standard for non-food processing applications. These grades ensure reliable performance across manufacturing, chemical synthesis, and environmental management sectors worldwide.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -79 °C (sublm) |
| Boiling Point | -78.5 °C |
| Density | 0.79787 g/cm³ (liquid) @ Temp: 50 °C; Press: 1.58 x 10⁵ Torr |
| Appearance | Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless, noncombustible gas. |
| Color | colorless |
| Odor | at 100.00?%. odorless |
| Form | colorless gas |
| Water Solubility | mL CO2/100mL H2O at 760mm: 171 (0°C), 88 (20°C), 36 (60°C) [MER06] |
| Vapor Pressure | 56.5 atm ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | 1.0004 |
| Log P | 0.830 (est) |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 28112100 |
| UN Number | 1013 |
| ADR Class | 2.2 |
| Storage Class | 2A - Gases |
Documentation
Other Names
R744|E-290|CO₂|carbonic anhydride|carbonic acid gas|carbonic acid anhydride|[CO2]|carbon oxide|E290
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