Propanol and Oxygen Reaction (Combustion) | CH₃CH₂CH₂OH + O₂

Propanol, an alcoholic compound in organic chemistry, readily burns with oxygen gas and heat is released as a result of combustion. As chemical products, carbon dioxide and water are given if complete combustion of propanol is achieved. Otherwise, some amount of carbon monoxide can be given as another product if the supplied oxygen gas amount is not sufficient for a complete combustion.

CH₃CH₂CH₂OH + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O

In this tutorial, we will discuss followings.

Balanced reaction of propanol and oxygen Oxidation number change of elements in propanol combustion Thermal energy of the reaction Health, safety and environmental impacts due to combustion of propanol

Propanol

There are several names used for propanol in chemistry as, 1-propanol, Propan-1-ol, Propyl alcohol, n-propanol.

Propanol contains three carbon atoms, one oxygen atom and eight hydrogen atoms. Pure praponol is evaporative and vapor can be ignited readily if spark and enough concentration of oxygen gas is found.

Stoichiometric balanced chemical reaction of propanol and oxygen gases

propanol and oxygen reaction CH3CH2CH2OH + O2

Two moles of praponol react with nine moles of oxygen gas and produce six moles of carbon dioxide and eight moles of water.

CH₃CH₂CH₂OH_(l) + 9O_2(g) → 6CO_2(g) + 4H₂O_(g)

Stoichiometric balanced equation is important how much oxygen gas is required for complete combustion of propanol.

Change of oxidation numbers in propanol combustion

Because, above mentioned combustion process is a redox reaction, oxidation numbers of carbon and oxygen atoms are changed as below.

In propanol molecule, there are three carbon atoms exist and they are in different oxidation states as following figure. However, all carbon atoms are oxidized to carbon dioxide molecules. In a carbon dioxide molecule, carbon is at +4 oxidation state. So, carbon atom is oxidized.

oxidation numbers of carbon atoms in propanol molecule

Oxygen is at 0 oxidation state in oxygen molecule (O₂) and that those oxygen atoms are reduced to -2 oxidation state. Therefore, oxygen in oxygen molecule is reduced during the combustion process.

Thermal energy and heat generation

Standard enthalpy of combustion of propanol (ΔH_c⁰_{(CH₃CH₂CH₂OH,(l))}) = -2021.3 kJ mol^-1

Health and safety

Hazards are identified as GHS classifications.

H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor. If propanol vapor readily catches the fire if any spark is available.
H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
H318: Causes serious eye damage: Serious eye damage/eye irritation

Questions

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Propanol and Oxygen Reaction (Combustion) | CH3CH2CH2OH + O2

CH3CH2CH2OH + O2 → CO2 + H2O