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Carbon–oxygen chemistry refers to the interactions and compounds formed by carbon and oxygen. The combination of these two elements yields a wide range of substances, from simple oxides to the vast number of organic molecules that underpin life and industry. The two most familiar carbon–oxygen oxides are carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). CO is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion and some industrial processes; it binds to hemoglobin with high affinity, impairing oxygen transport in vertebrates and posing serious health risks. CO2 is generated by aerobic respiration, combustion, and fermentation; it is a greenhouse gas and a central participant in the carbon cycle, balanced by photosynthesis in plants and oceans.

Beyond oxides, carbon–oxygen bonds are central to organic chemistry. Carbonyl groups (C=O) appear in aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, and anhydrides, conferring a range of physical properties and reactivity. C–O single bonds are found in alcohols, ethers, and many substituted derivatives. Other carbon–oxygen species include carbon suboxide (C3O2) and carbonates (CO3^2−) in inorganic contexts.

Bond lengths and energies vary with the bonding type; typical C=O bonds are strong and polar, whereas C–O single bonds are longer and weaker. In nature and technology, carbon–oxygen chemistry drives respiration, combustion, polymerization, and countless synthetic processes.

Environmental and health aspects are notable: carbon monoxide is toxic, and carbon dioxide concentrations influence climate. Human activities alter the carbon–oxygen balance, affecting atmospheric composition and the global carbon cycle.