Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, highly toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion. It also serves as a feedstock and reducing agent in chemical manufacturing.

Carboxyhemoglobin: A complex formed when carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells. This binding both occupies oxygen-carrying sites and makes hemoglobin hold its remaining oxygen more tightly.
Incomplete combustion: Combustion in which fuel does not oxidize fully to carbon dioxide, often producing carbon monoxide and soot. It is the main chemical route by which everyday fuels generate carbon monoxide.
Water-gas shift reaction: A reaction of carbon monoxide with steam that produces carbon dioxide and hydrogen. It converts carbon monoxide in synthesis gas into hydrogen for industrial use.
Carbon dioxide: A colorless gas with the formula CO₂, produced by complete combustion and cellular respiration. It is the fully oxidized product of carbon combustion and is far less acutely toxic than carbon monoxide.
Heme: An iron-containing molecular group that binds gases such as oxygen and carbon monoxide in proteins. Carbon monoxide binds the iron in heme, especially within hemoglobin.
Combustion: A rapid chemical reaction between a fuel and an oxidizer that releases heat, often with light. Carbon monoxide forms when combustion lacks sufficient oxygen or mixing for complete oxidation.
Fischer–Tropsch process: A catalytic process that converts carbon monoxide and hydrogen into liquid hydrocarbons. It uses carbon monoxide as a carbon source for synthetic fuels and chemicals.
Oxygen: A reactive chemical element whose molecular form, O₂, supports aerobic respiration and combustion. Oxygen competes with carbon monoxide for binding sites in hemoglobin.
Cytochrome c oxidase: A mitochondrial enzyme that transfers electrons to oxygen at the end of the respiratory chain. Carbon monoxide can inhibit this enzyme, impairing cellular respiration.
Internal combustion engine: An engine that burns fuel inside a chamber to produce mechanical power. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide when fuel combustion is incomplete.

Linked from 55 pages