Which one of the following is not an example of volatile organic compounds?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Carbon monoxide
A volatile organic compound must be organic — carbon combined with hydrogen — and must evaporate readily at ordinary temperatures. Carbon monoxide carries no hydrogen and is classed as an inorganic gas, so it is not a VOC even though it is a major air pollutant from incomplete combustion.
Benzene, toluene and xylene — the BTX group released by petrol, paints and solvents — are typical VOCs and take part in the photochemical reactions that form ground level ozone and smog.