what is the mole ratio of butane to carbon dioxide

2 min read 28-02-2025

what is the mole ratio of butane to carbon dioxide

The complete combustion of butane (C₄H₁₀) produces carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). Understanding the mole ratio between butane and carbon dioxide is crucial in stoichiometry calculations and various chemical processes. This article will explain how to determine this ratio and its significance.

The Balanced Chemical Equation

To find the mole ratio, we must first write and balance the chemical equation for the complete combustion of butane:

2C₄H₁₀(g) + 13O₂(g) → 8CO₂(g) + 10H₂O(g)

This equation shows that two moles of butane react with thirteen moles of oxygen to produce eight moles of carbon dioxide and ten moles of water.

Determining the Mole Ratio

The mole ratio of butane to carbon dioxide is the ratio of their coefficients in the balanced chemical equation. From the balanced equation above:

Mole ratio of butane (C₄H₁₀) to carbon dioxide (CO₂) = 2 : 8 or simplified to 1 : 4

This means that for every one mole of butane completely combusted, four moles of carbon dioxide are produced. This ratio is fundamental for calculating the amount of CO₂ produced from a given amount of butane or vice versa.

Significance of the Mole Ratio

The 1:4 mole ratio of butane to carbon dioxide is vital for several reasons:

Stoichiometric Calculations: It allows us to calculate the amount of CO₂ produced from a known amount of butane, and vice versa, using stoichiometry. This is crucial in industrial processes, environmental studies, and other applications.
Combustion Analysis: This ratio helps determine the efficiency of butane combustion. Deviations from this ratio may indicate incomplete combustion, leading to the production of other byproducts like carbon monoxide (CO) or soot.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Understanding the mole ratio is essential for assessing the environmental impact of butane combustion. Knowing the amount of CO₂ produced helps in calculating the carbon footprint.

Example Calculation

Let's say we have 5 moles of butane undergoing complete combustion. Using the mole ratio, we can calculate the moles of CO₂ produced:

Moles of CO₂ = Moles of butane × (Mole ratio of CO₂ to C₄H₁₀) = 5 moles × 4 = 20 moles of CO₂

Therefore, 20 moles of carbon dioxide will be produced from the complete combustion of 5 moles of butane.

Incomplete Combustion

It's important to note that the 1:4 mole ratio applies only to complete combustion. Incomplete combustion produces less CO₂ and other harmful byproducts. The balanced equation for incomplete combustion varies depending on the specific conditions.

Conclusion

The mole ratio of butane to carbon dioxide in complete combustion is 1:4. This fundamental ratio is crucial for various applications, from stoichiometric calculations to environmental impact assessments. Understanding this ratio is essential for anyone working with combustion reactions or related fields. Remember to always ensure complete combustion when performing calculations based on this ratio.