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Organic chemistry - (CCEA)Atmospheric pollutants

An organic chemical contains the element carbon. There are four different homologous series of organic compounds discussed here: alkanes, alkenes, alcohols and carboxylic acids.

Part of Chemistry (Single Science)Further chemical reactions, rates and equilibrium, calculations and organic chemistry

Atmospheric pollutants

Burning fuels creates many atmospheric pollutants.

PollutantSource
Carbon dioxide CO2Complete combustion of any fuel containing carbon.
Carbon monoxide COIncomplete combustion of any fuel containing carbon.
Sulfur dioxide SO2Combustion of a fossil fuel that contains sulfur impurities.
PollutantCarbon dioxide CO2
SourceComplete combustion of any fuel containing carbon.
PollutantCarbon monoxide CO
SourceIncomplete combustion of any fuel containing carbon.
PollutantSulfur dioxide SO2
SourceCombustion of a fossil fuel that contains sulfur impurities.

Sulfur dioxide as a pollutant

Sulfur dioxide is created when sulfur atoms, present in some fossil fuels, are oxidised.

sulfur + oxygen → sulfur dioxide

S + O2 → SO2

Sulfur dioxide can react with rain water forming sulfurous acid, H2SO3 which falls as acid rain.

SO2 + H2O → H2SO3

Acid rain harms and kills living things, especially those in aquatic environments. It can also damage limestone and marble statues and buildings. Acid rain also defoliates trees.

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Carboxylic reactions

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