In reaction (1.1a), gaseous carbon dioxide is dissolved in water, reacting to form carbonic acid (1.1b). Hydrogen ions dissociate from the carbonic acid, to give bicarbonate (1.1c), and then a carbonate ion (1.1d ), which then reacts with a calcium cation to form calcium carbonate (1.1e).

Is carbon dioxide a dissolved substance?

Carbon dioxide is one of the most important gases that dissolve in the ocean. Some of it stays as dissolved gas, but most reacts with the water to form carbonic acid or reacts with carbonates already in the water to form bicarbonates.

Is dissolving carbon dioxide in water?

CO2 is soluble because water molecules are attracted to these polar areas. The bond between carbon and oxygen is not as polar as the bond between hydrogen and oxygen, but it is polar enough that carbon dioxide can dissolve in water.