[mumsydoc]

Hi

I know I am missing something really simple but for the life of me I can't get this to work as a fully balanced equation. The homework question says:

Write the following as a fully balnced equation : C4H10 burns in a plentiful supply of oxygen to form carbon dioxide gas and water, but if insufficient oxygen is present carbon monoxide and water are formed

So C4H10(g)  + O2(g)  gives CO2(g) + (l)H2O

and then with insufficient oxygen:
C4H10(g)  + O2(g)  gives CO(g) + (l)H2O

I always end up with an excess of O can you help please? Rather than O2 should I just be using O?

Thanks.

[Borek]

Both are relatively simple, so you must be really doing some simple mistake. Don't be afraid of using 1/2O₂ when balancing - you may always multiply everything by 2 at the end to get rid of fractions.

http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=balancing-stoichiometry&right=balancing-inspection

[mumsydoc]

See I told you my idiot brain was working overtime.

Thanks got it now!