Enter an equation of a chemical reaction and click 'Balance'. The answer will appear below Always use the upper case for the first character in the element name and the lower case for the second character. Examples: Fe, Au, Co, Br, C, O, N, F. Compare: Co - cobalt and CO - carbon monoxide To enter an electron into a chemical equation use {-} or e To enter an ion specify charge after the compound in curly brackets: {+3} or {3+} or {3}. Example: Fe{3+} + I{-} = Fe{2+} + I2 Substitute immutable groups in chemical compounds to avoid ambiguity. For instance equation C6H5C2H5 + O2 = C6H5OH + CO2 + H2O will not be balanced, but PhC2H5 + O2 = PhOH + CO2 + H2O will Compound states [like (s) (aq) or (g)] are not required. If you do not know what products are enter reagents only and click 'Balance'. In many cases a complete equation will be suggested.