Supercritical `CO_(2)` is used as

Options

A. Dry ice
B. Fire fighting
C. A solvent for extraction of organic compounds from natural sources
D. A highly inert medium for carrying out various reactions

Explanation

To answer the question regarding the uses of supercritical CO₂, we can break down the information into clear steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Supercritical CO₂**:
- Supercritical CO₂ is a state of carbon dioxide that occurs when it is above its critical temperature and pressure. In this state, CO₂ exhibits properties of both a gas and a liquid.

2. **Solvent Properties**:
- Due to its unique properties, supercritical CO₂ is an effective solvent. It can dissolve a wide range of organic compounds, making it useful in various applications.

3. **Extraction of Organic Compounds**:
- One of the primary uses of supercritical CO₂ is in the extraction of organic compounds from natural sources. This method is often preferred because it is non-toxic, non-flammable, and can be easily removed from the extracted compounds.

4. **Applications in the Food Industry**:
- In the food industry, supercritical CO₂ is used for extracting flavors, fragrances, and essential oils from plants. This method preserves the integrity of the compounds better than traditional extraction methods.

5. **Inert Medium for Reactions**:
- Additionally, supercritical CO₂ serves as a highly inert medium for carrying out various chemical reactions. Its ability to dissolve reactants and facilitate reactions without the need for additional solvents is advantageous in many chemical processes.

### Conclusion:
Supercritical CO₂ is primarily used as a solvent for the extraction of organic compounds from natural sources and serves as an inert medium for various chemical reactions, particularly in the food industry.

---