A08 Reactions of Magnesium with Carbon Dioxide

Description
A magnesium ribbon is plunged into carbon dioxide. A black residue of carbon and magnesium nitride is observed. For comparison, a burning wood splint is plunged into carbon dioxide.

A mixture of magnesium powder and magnesium turnings is ignited in a block of dry ice. Reaction is so vigorous that the light transmitted through the dry ice saturates the camera. Products are the same.

Equation
2 Mg + CO₂ --> 2 MgO + C

Reference
B. Z. Shakhashiri, "Chemical Demonstrations", Vol. 1, The University of Wisconsin Press, Madison ,Wisconsin, (1983) p.90.