News in Brief Chemistry Carbon monoxide junked for making plastic Using a catalyst, chemists can swap in the less dangerous carbon dioxide By Beth Mole February 11, 2014 at 1:24 pm - More than 2 years ago Share this:Share Share via email (Opens in new window) Email Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Share on X (Opens in new window) X Print (Opens in new window) Print Carbon dioxide can take the place of its noxious, explosive relative carbon monoxide as an ingredient to make everyday plastics and detergents. Carbon monoxide has been a staple in manufacturing because it easily reacts with other chemical building blocks to create larger molecules.