Question

At room temperature, `CO_2` is a gas and `CS_2` is a liquid. Why is this reasonable?

Answer 1

Because carbon disulfide has MANY more electrons than carbon dioxide....and besides, God wanted it that way....

Explanation:

And as chemists, as physical scientists, let's have some data. Carbon dioxide sublimes at `-78` `""^@C` and 1 atmosphere, and carbon disulfide has a normal boiling point of `46.2` `""^@C`.

Carbon disulfide has a larger, more polarizable electron cloud that makes for effective dispersion forces between molecules, and hence an elevated boiling point. The stuff still pen and inks abominably, and it is a VERY serious fire hazard in a laboratory...