# How is the complete combustion of hexanes represented in a chemical reaction?

May 18, 2017

${C}_{6} {H}_{14} \left(l\right) + \frac{19}{2} {O}_{2} \left(g\right) \rightarrow 6 C {O}_{2} \left(g\right) + 7 {H}_{2} O \left(l\right) + \Delta$

#### Explanation:

Is charge balanced? Tick. Is mass balanced? Tick.

The $\Delta$ symbol represents the fact that this is an exothermic reaction, and the $\text{heat}$ evolved may be utilized to do $\text{work}$.

Most such combustion reactions, certainly in the $\text{internal combustion engine}$, exhibit incomplete reaction, and both $C O \left(g\right)$ and particulate $C \left(s\right)$ are oxidation products.

May 18, 2017

$2 {C}_{6} {H}_{14} \left(l\right) + 19 {O}_{2} \left(g\right) \rightarrow 12 C {O}_{2} \left(g\right) + 14 {H}_{2} O \left(g\right)$

#### Explanation:

Write the (first unbalanced) chemical equation:

${C}_{6} {H}_{14} \left(l\right) + {O}_{2} \left(g\right) \rightarrow C {O}_{2} \left(g\right) + {H}_{2} O \left(g\right)$

Balanced:

$2 {C}_{6} {H}_{14} \left(l\right) + 19 {O}_{2} \left(g\right) \rightarrow 12 C {O}_{2} \left(g\right) + 14 {H}_{2} O \left(g\right)$