What stoichiometric coefficients are used in combustion reactions? How do represent the comproportionation of ammonium nitrate to nitrous oxide?

1 Answer
anor277
Mar 4, 2017

Usually, the desirable option is the simplest WHOLE number ratio.....

Explanation:

As for myself, often I reject this rule in favour of half-integral coefficients. For example,............the combustion of ethane,

H_3C-CH_3(g) + 7/2O_2(g) rarr 2CO_2(g) + 3H_2O(l),

versus,

2H_3C-CH_3(g) + 7O_2(g) rarr 4CO_2(g) + 6H_2O(l),

both are balanced; I would prefer the former because it is easier to address the stoichiometry, even tho I know that you cannot have a half an oxygen molecule. You can have, however, "half a mole" of dioxygen molecules.

For your reaction,

NH_4NO_3 rarrN_2O + 2H_2O

which is in fact a "comproportionation reaction", would be the preferred option.

3NH_4NO_3 rarr3N_2O + 6H_2O is not the simplest whole number ratio. If I have missed your point I apologize............

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