Some molecules of #C_11H_24# crack to produce ethene and propene. How would you write a balanced equation to show a cracking reaction which makes ethene and propene?
1 Answer
Aug 18, 2017
Explanation:
The starting molecule in the question, undecane, will break down into three products. Two are listed in your question: ethene and propene (these are alkenes). The third product is an alkane that consists of the "leftover" carbons and hydrogens. Ethene has the formula
So far, you have:
Remember that we have to balance the equation, so the leftover carbons and hydrogens will go to the third product. We have
Now the balanced equation is:
Cracking involves larger alkanes, so hexane should not break down.