What stoichiometric coefficients are used in combustion reactions? How do represent the comproportionation of ammonium nitrate to nitrous oxide?

1 Answer
Mar 4, 2017

Usually, the desirable option is the simplest WHOLE number ratio.....

Explanation:

As for myself, often I reject this rule in favour of half-integral coefficients. For example,............the combustion of ethane,

#H_3C-CH_3(g) + 7/2O_2(g) rarr 2CO_2(g) + 3H_2O(l)#,

versus,

#2H_3C-CH_3(g) + 7O_2(g) rarr 4CO_2(g) + 6H_2O(l)#,

both are balanced; I would prefer the former because it is easier to address the stoichiometry, even tho I know that you cannot have a half an oxygen molecule. You can have, however, #"half a mole"# of dioxygen molecules.

For your reaction,

#NH_4NO_3 rarrN_2O + 2H_2O#

which is in fact a #"comproportionation reaction"#, would be the preferred option.

#3NH_4NO_3 rarr3N_2O + 6H_2O# is not the simplest whole number ratio. If I have missed your point I apologize............