In the presence of carbon monoxide, less oxygen is transported to the blood. Suggest why, in terms of bond strength and stability constants.

Point 1: Stability constant with CO is greater than with 02.Point 2: Bond with CO is stronger than with 02.Explanation: In haemoglobin a central Fe2+ ion in an octahedral complex compromising four dative covalent bonds from the nitrogen's in a porphyrin ring, and one from a nitrogen on one of the amino acids on the globin molecule, which is the protein part of the haemoglobin molecule. The sixth ligand in the complex is oxygen.Carbon monoxide is toxic because it binds to the central Fe2+ ion more strongly than oxygen and replaces it in the complex. This means that oxygen cannot be carried around the body, causing asphyxiation.Equation: basic ligand substitution equation to be written in class.

AD
Answered by Amandeep D. Chemistry tutor

3713 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

State the qualitative tests to distinguish between halide ions in solution.


How to write a redox equation from half equations


What are the three pieces of evidence that disprove the Kekulé model of Benzene?


How does Le Chatelier's Principle allow you to predict the change of the position of equilibrium for an equilibrium reaction?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning