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Predicting combustion products of common fuels

Chemistry of the atmosphere • Atmospheric pollutants

Key concepts

What you'll likely be quizzed about

  • Hydrocarbons consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
  • When there is an ample supply of oxygen, carbon atoms fully oxidize to carbon dioxide and hydrogen atoms oxidize to water.
  • Balanced combustion equations indicate CO2 and H2O as the main products, such as: carbon + oxygen → carbon dioxide; hydrogen + oxygen → water.
  • Complete oxidation occurs because sufficient oxygen allows for full electron transfer from fuel atoms to oxygen, ensuring no partially oxidized carbon species are formed.

Flashcards

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How does oxygen supply affect combustion products?

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Sufficient oxygen leads to complete combustion producing CO2 and H2O; limited oxygen leads to incomplete combustion producing CO and soot.

Key notes

Important points to keep in mind

Identify all elements in the fuel formula (C, H, S, N, O) before predicting products.

Sufficient oxygen causes carbon→CO2 and hydrogen→H2O; limited oxygen causes CO and soot.

Sulfur in fuel oxidizes to SO2; sulfur emissions can cause acid rain.

High temperatures and excess air increase thermal NOx formation from atmospheric nitrogen.

Soot and black smoke indicate incomplete combustion and lost energy.

Balanced equations and stoichiometry predict mole ratios of products from reactant amounts.

Internal oxygen in a fuel molecule reduces external oxygen demand and shifts product ratios.

CO is toxic; prediction of CO requires assessment of oxygen availability and mixing quality.

Predict pollutant formation from both fuel composition and combustion conditions (temperature, oxygen, mixing).

Use visual clues (flame color, smoke) and knowledge of conditions to infer likely combustion products.

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