At what flame temperature is carbon monoxide (CO) produced?

The production of carbon monoxide (CO) occurs during the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, typically when there is not enough oxygen present for the fuel to combust fully into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). This phenomenon often happens at flame temperatures ranging between approximately 1000 and 1400 degrees Fahrenheit.

At around 1100 degrees, the conditions for incomplete combustion start to become prevalent, allowing for the formation of CO. This specific temperature indicates that there is enough heat to cause some combustion but not enough oxygen to ensure complete combustion of the carbon present in the fuel. As the flame temperature rises above 1100 degrees, the likelihood of producing CO diminishes as combustion efficiency increases, leading to more complete oxidation of the carbon to CO2. Thus, the selection of 1100 degrees as the temperature at which CO is produced aligns with the understanding of combustion chemistry and the behavior of fuels under varying temperatures and oxygen levels.