Answer
🔥 Combustion Reactions of Alkanes
What is Combustion?
Combustion is the reaction of a hydrocarbon with oxygen (O₂) that produces carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and energy. The general form is:
CₓHᵧ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O
(a) Combustion of Undecane (C₁₁H₂₄)
Step-by-Step Balancing
- Carbon: 11 → 11 CO₂
- Hydrogen: 24 → 12 H₂O
- Oxygen: (11×2) + (12×1) = 34 → 17 O₂
C₁₁H₂₄ + 17O₂ → 11CO₂ + 12H₂O
(b) Combustion of Ethylcyclobutane (C₆H₁₂)
Step-by-Step Balancing
- Carbon: 6 → 6 CO₂
- Hydrogen: 12 → 6 H₂O
- Oxygen: (6×2) + (6×1) = 18 → 9 O₂
C₆H₁₂ + 9O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O
Summary Table
| Alkane | Balanced Combustion Equation |
|---|---|
| Undecane (C₁₁H₂₄) | C₁₁H₂₄ + 17O₂ → 11CO₂ + 12H₂O |
| Ethylcyclobutane (C₆H₁₂) | C₆H₁₂ + 9O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O |