# What is the balanced equation for the complete combustion of C_3H_7COC_2H_5?

Jan 21, 2016

$2 {C}_{3} {H}_{7} C O {C}_{2} {H}_{5} + 17 {O}_{2} \to 12 C {O}_{2} + 12 {H}_{2} O$

#### Explanation:

Complete combustion of ${C}_{3} {H}_{7} C O {C}_{2} {H}_{5}$ in oxygen will produce Carbon dioxide and water. If $a , b , c , d$ are the respective molecules in the balanced equation, we have

$a {C}_{3} {H}_{7} C O {C}_{2} {H}_{5} + b {O}_{2} \to c C {O}_{2} + {\mathrm{dH}}_{2} O$

Lets start with $a = 1$. Balancing the number of carbon on both sides we obtain $c = 6$. And the equation becomes
$a {C}_{3} {H}_{7} C O {C}_{2} {H}_{5} + b {O}_{2} \to 6 C {O}_{2} + 6 {H}_{2} O$

${C}_{3} {H}_{7} C O {C}_{2} {H}_{5} + b {O}_{2} \to 6 C {O}_{2} + {\mathrm{dH}}_{2} O$
Now balancing hydrogen atoms we obtain $d = 6$. And the equation becomes

${C}_{3} {H}_{7} C O {C}_{2} {H}_{5} + b {O}_{2} \to 6 C {O}_{2} + 6 {H}_{2} O$
Now balancing $O$ atoms we see that it $b = \frac{17}{2}$
Multiplying all with 2 we obtain balanced equation as

$2 {C}_{3} {H}_{7} C O {C}_{2} {H}_{5} + 17 {O}_{2} \to 12 C {O}_{2} + 12 {H}_{2} O$