Question

What are the chemical reactions of carbon?

Answer 1

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

• 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_(s) ➝ 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_(s) ➝ WC_(s)