Alkanes are used as fuels because they burn in oxygen, releasing a large amount of energy. Combustion is an exothermic reaction.In complete combustion, there is plenty of oxygen and the only products are carbon dioxide and water. For example: C8H18 + 12½O2 → 8CO2 + 9H2OIn incomplete combustion, there is not enough oxygen. Carbon monoxide or carbon (soot) forms instead of carbon dioxide. For example: CH4 + 1½O2 → CO + 2H2O and CH4 + O2 → C + 2H2OIncomplete combustion releases less energy. Carbon monoxide is toxic and soot causes breathing problems and makes buildings dirty.
Combustion
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Specification: AQA Chemistry (7404), AS-level, 3.3.2.3 Combustion of alkanes. Topic: Alkanes.
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All 20 lessons in Alkanes · All AQA AS-level Chemistry topics