Question

Carbon disulfide burns in oxygen to yield car- bon dioxide and sulfur dioxide according to the chemical equation cs2(l) 3 o2(g) −→ co2(g) 2 so2(g). if 0.91 mol of cs2 is combined with 1.52 mol of o2, identify the limiting reactant.

Answer 1

Answer: Oxygen is the limiting reagent.

Explanation: $CS_2(l)+3O_2(g)\rightarrow CO_2(g)+2SO_2(g)$

As can be seen from the given balanced equation:

3 moles of $O_2$ reacts with 1 mole of $CS_2$

1.52 moles of $O_2$ reacts with=$\frac{1}{3}\times 1.52=0.51moles$ of $CS_2$

Thus $O_2$ is the limiting reagent as it limits the formation of products. (0.91-0.51)= 0.40 moles of $CS_2$ will remain as such and thus  $CS_2$ is an excess reagent.