Question

Carbon monoxide gas is more dangerous than carbon dioxide gas. Why?

Answer 1

Hint: You know that carbon monoxide has single oxygen and carbon dioxide has two oxygens. We know that carbon monoxide is more stable than carbon dioxide. And carbon monoxide has a tendency to make complexes.

Step by step solution:
\[C{{O}_{2}}\] and \[CO\]are the gases that are emitted during the combustion process of various fuels. \[CO\] does not occur naturally in the atmosphere, whereas \[C{{O}_{2}}\] exists naturally in the atmosphere. Carbon monoxide is poisonous and carbon dioxide is non toxic in nature.
Carbon monoxide is poisonous because it has the capacity to form a complex with blood as in haemoglobin.
And the complex of carbon monoxide with haemoglobin is more stable than the complex of oxygen with haemoglobin.
The concentration range of 3-4% of carbon monoxide decreases the oxygen carrying capacity of blood. The presence of carbon monoxide causes headache, weak eyesight, nervousness and cardiovascular disorders.
Carbon monoxide is harmful when breathed because it displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain, and other vital organs of oxygen. Large amounts of carbon dioxide can overcome you in minutes without warning.
Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb or HbCO) is a stable complex of carbon monoxide and haemoglobin. Below given is the reaction of hemoglobin and carbon monoxide:
       \[Hb+CO\to \underset{stablecompound}{\mathop{HbCO}}\,\]

Note: Carbon dioxide is harmful at very higher concentration. Higher concentration of carbon monoxide can be fatal or even lead to death.