Reactant C is the limiting reactant in this scenario.
Explanation:
The reactant in the balanced chemical reaction which gives the smaller amount or moles of product is the limiting reagent.
Balanced chemical reaction is:
A + 2B + 3C → 2D + E
number of moles
A = 0.50 mole
B = 0.60 moles
C = 0.90 moles
Taking A as the reactant
1 mole of A reacted to form 2 moles of D
0.50 moles of A will produce =
thus 0.50 moles of A will produce 1 mole of D
Taking B as the reactant
2 moles of B reacted to form 2 moles of D
0.60 moles of B reacted to form x moles of D
=
x = 2 moles of D is produced.
Taking C as the reactant:
3 moles of C reacted to form 2 moles of D
O.9 moles of C reacted to form x moles of D
=
= 0.60 moles of D is formed.
Thus C is the limiting reagent in the given reaction as it produces smallest mass of product.