Developments in CO2 research

CO2 can be a good solvent for many compounds when used in its compressed liquid or supercritical fluid state. Above its critical temperature and critical pressure (T-C = 31 degreesC. P-c = 73.8 bar), CO2 has liquid-like densities and gas-like viscosities, which allows for safe commercial and laboratory operating conditions. Many small molecules are readily soluble in CO2, whereas most macromolecules are not. This has prompted development of several classes of small molecule and polymeric surfactants that enable emulsion and dispersion polymerizations as well as other technological processes.