Combustion Chemistry Example 4

Solution

1. 1
   Complete combustion: $\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} + 3\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{CO}_2 + 3\text{H}_2\text{O}$.
2. 2
   Incomplete combustion (limited $\text{O}_2$): produces carbon monoxide ($\text{CO}$) or soot (carbon, $\text{C}$) instead of $\text{CO}_2$. Example: $2\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{OH} + 4\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 4\text{CO} + 6\text{H}_2\text{O}$.
3. 3
   Incomplete combustion is dangerous because $\text{CO}$ is colorless, odorless, and toxic.