Fill in the coefficients that will balance the following reaction: (Note: Use 1 as coefficient where appropriate.) C3H7OH+O2-- CO2 +H2O

The balanced equation :

2C₃H₇OH+9O₂⇒ 6CO₂ +8H₂O

Given

The following reaction(combustion of Propanol) :

C₃H₇OH+O₂⇒ CO₂ +H₂O

Required

Balanced equation

Solution

Equalization of chemical reactions can be done using variables. Steps in equalizing the reaction equation:  

•1. gives a coefficient on substances involved in the equation of reaction such as a, b, or c, etc.  

•2. make an equation based on the similarity of the number of atoms where the number of atoms = coefficient × index (subscript) between reactant and product  

•3. Select the coefficient of the substance with the most complex chemical formula equal to 1  

1. Give coefficient

C₃H₇OH+aO₂⇒ bCO₂ +cH₂O

2. Make an equation

C, left=3, right=b⇒b=3

H, left=8, right=2c⇒2c=8⇒c=4

O, left=1+2a, right=2b+c⇒1+2a=2b+c⇒1+2a=2.3+4⇒1+2a=10⇒2a=9⇒a=9/2

The equation becomes

C₃H₇OH+9/2O₂⇒ 3CO₂ +4H₂O x 2

2C₃H₇OH+9O₂⇒ 6CO₂ +8H₂O