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carbon dioxide

Also known as: carbon dioxide · carbonic anhydride · 124-38-9 · carbonic acid gas

Common aliases:Dry ice

CAS No.: 124-38-9
Formula: CO2
Molar mass: 44.009 g/mol
PubChem CID: 280

GHS pictograms

Compressed gas

Harmful / Irritant

2D structure of carbon dioxide — 2D structure · PubChem CID 280

New to Safety Data Sheets? What is an SDS · SDS vs MSDS · The 16 sections explained · Read an SDS in 5 min · Compatibility chart

Summary

Carbon dioxide is a one-carbon compound with formula CO2 in which the carbon is attached to each oxygen atom by a double bond. A colourless, odourless gas under normal conditions, it is produced during respiration by all animals, fungi and microorganisms that depend directly or indirectly on living or decaying plants for food. It has a role as a vasodilator agent, an anaesthetic, a solvent, an antagonist, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, a member of greenhouse gas, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite, a member of food packaging gas, a food propellant and a refrigerant. It is a gas molecular entity, a carbon oxide and a one-carbon compound.

Background

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Physical properties

Boiling point°C

—

Melting point°C

-78.5

-109.3 °F (USCG, 1999)

Flash point°C

—

Densityg/mL

—

Vapor pressuremmHg

—

Vapor density(air = 1)

1.53

1.53 (NIOSH, 2024) - Heavier than air; will sink (Relative to Air)

LogP (octanol / water)

0.83

Water solubility

—

Sourced from PubChem Experimental Properties. Values may vary between sources and conditions.

Hazards

Compressed gas (GHS04)

Contents under pressure, may explode if heated.

Harmful / Irritant (GHS07)

May cause skin, eye or respiratory irritation.

Hazard statements

Storage

Temperature

Keep at room temperature, below 30 °C, out of direct heat.

Ventilation

Store somewhere well-ventilated and away from any ignition source.

Containers

Metal drums or tinted glass, tightly sealed.

Keep away from

Strong acids, strong bases and powerful oxidizers.

Personal protective equipment

Gloves

Nitrile or butyl, at least 0.4 mm thick.

Eye protection

Safety goggles with side shields.

Respirator

A2 organic-vapor cartridge if the room isn't well ventilated.

Occupational exposure limits (HSE)

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EU harmonised classification (ECHA C&L)

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Transport

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FDA recalls & enforcement

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Compatibilities

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Practical safety notes

Compressed gas. Secure cylinders upright, protect valves, store in ventilated areas.
Irritant / harmful. Ventilate the workspace and avoid skin contact.

Derived from the GHS classification shown above. These notes are generic guidance and do not replace the manufacturer's SDS or your local risk assessment.

FAQ

Is carbon dioxide flammable?+

carbon dioxide (CAS 124-38-9) does not carry the GHS02 flame pictogram in our records. Always confirm with the manufacturer's SDS section 9 (flash point) before assuming a product is non-flammable.

What PPE should I wear when handling carbon dioxide?+

Safety glasses with side shields and nitrile gloves are the baseline. Ventilation should be sufficient to keep vapours below the occupational exposure limit. Check SDS section 8 for material-specific breakthrough times.

How should carbon dioxide be stored?+

Store carbon dioxide (CAS 124-38-9) in tightly closed original containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials.

Is carbon dioxide dangerous for the environment?+

No specific environmental pictogram (GHS09) is listed in our records for carbon dioxide, but any chemical waste should be handled through your site's hazardous-waste procedure, not poured down the drain.

Where can I find the official Safety Data Sheet for carbon dioxide?+

Official, up-to-date SDS documents are published by each manufacturer (Sigma-Aldrich, Merck, Thermo Fisher, VWR, Carl Roth, etc.) and by regulators such as ECHA and NIOSH. This page is an educational summary and does not replace the manufacturer's SDS.

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