Skip to main content
Ch.4 - Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions
Chapter 4, Problem 112c

Predict the products and write a balanced molecular equation for each reaction. If no reaction occurs, write 'NO REACTION.' c. liquid pentanol (C5H12O) and gaseous oxygen

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the type of reaction: This is a combustion reaction where an organic compound reacts with oxygen.
Write the general form of a combustion reaction: C_xH_yO_z + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O.
Apply the general form to pentanol: C_5H_{12}O + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O.
Balance the carbon atoms: Ensure the number of carbon atoms on the reactant side equals the number on the product side by adjusting the coefficient of CO_2.
Balance the hydrogen and oxygen atoms: Adjust the coefficients of H_2O and O_2 to balance the hydrogen and oxygen atoms on both sides of the equation.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
4m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Combustion Reactions

Combustion reactions involve the reaction of a substance with oxygen, typically producing heat and light. In organic chemistry, these reactions often involve hydrocarbons or alcohols, resulting in carbon dioxide and water as products. Understanding the general form of combustion reactions is essential for predicting the products of the reaction between pentanol and oxygen.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:24
Combustion Apparatus

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is a fundamental skill in chemistry that ensures the law of conservation of mass is upheld. This means that the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the equation. For the combustion of pentanol, one must account for all reactants and products to achieve a balanced equation, which reflects the stoichiometry of the reaction.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:32
Balancing Chemical Equations

Oxidation States

Oxidation states (or oxidation numbers) indicate the degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound. In combustion reactions, the oxidation state of carbon in pentanol changes as it is oxidized to carbon dioxide. Understanding how to assign oxidation states helps in predicting the products of the reaction and determining whether a reaction will occur.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:42
Oxidation Numbers