When a compound containing c, h, and o is completely combusted in air, the reactant besides the hydrocarbon that is involved in the reaction is, O2(g).
Hydrocarbons burn in air to form water and carbon dioxide as the only products.
<h2>Further Explanation </h2><h3>Hydrocarbons </h3>
- Hydrocarbons are types of compounds that are mostly made up of hydrogen and carbon elements. However other hydrocarbons are made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen elements.
- The major types of hydrocarbons include, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, and alkanoic acids.
- Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons while alkenes and alkynes are unsaturated hydrocarbons containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms.
- Alcohols and alkanoic acids contains hydrogen, oxygen and carbon atoms.
<h3>Combustion of Hydrocarbons </h3>
- Hydrocarbons burn in air to form carbon dioxide and water as the only products.
That is;
For hydrocarbons with carbon and hydrogen
- CxHy + O2(g) = CO2(g) + H2O(g)
For the compound containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
- CxHyOn + O2 = CO2(g) + H2O(l)
Examples
Propane which is an alkane burns in air to form water and mineral salt.
C3H8(g) + O2(g) = CO2(g) + H2O(l)
Ethanol is a hydrocarbon in the homologous series of alcohols. It burns in air to form carbon(IV)oxide and water.
C2H5OH(l) + 3O2(g) = 2CO2(g) + 3H2O(l)
Keywords: Combustion, hydrocarbons
<h3>Learn more about: </h3>
Level: High school
Subject: Chemistry
Topic: Organic chemistry
Sub-topic: Combustion of hydrocarbons
