# Carbon dioxide, CO2

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless, odorless gas that plays a critical role in various industrial, environmental, and biological systems. Composed of two oxygen atoms covalently bonded to a central carbon atom, CO2 is a linear molecule with diverse applications. One notable use is in CO2 lasers, which produce a high-power infrared beam and are employed in applications ranging from cutting and welding to surgical procedures. Aside from its technological uses, CO2 is perhaps most recognized for its role as a greenhouse gas. It has a significant long-term warming effect on Earth's climate, contributing to global warming and subsequent climate change. This has led to intensive research into CO2 capture and sequestration technologies, as well as international policies aimed at emission reduction. Other industrial uses include its role as a refrigerant, a fire suppressant, and as a solvent in supercritical fluid applications. Given its wide range of applications and environmental implications, CO2 remains a molecule of great scientific, industrial, and global significance.

## Other names

- Carbon oxide
- Carbon(IV) oxide

## External links

- Carbon dioxide - Wikipedia
- Carbon dioxide (data page) - Wikipedia
- Carbon dioxide - WebElements
- Carbon dioxide - NIST Chemistry WebBook