Calculating the Mass of Carbon Dioxide Produced from Hexane Combustion

What mass of carbon dioxide (CO2) can be produced from 15.6 g of C6H14 and excess oxygen?

Answer: The mass of carbon dioxide produced is 46.7 grams.

Explanation:

To calculate the number of moles, we use the equation:

Number of moles = Given mass / Molar mass

Given mass of hexane = 15.6 g

Molar mass of hexane = 88.2 g/mol

Putting values in the equation, we get:

Moles of hexane = 15.6 g / 88.2 g/mol = 0.177 mol

The chemical equation for the combustion of hexane is:

2 C6H14 + 19 O2 → 12 CO2 + 14 H2O

As oxygen gas is present in excess, it is considered an excess reagent. Hexane is considered a limiting reagent because it limits the formation of the product.

By stoichiometry of the reaction:

2 moles of hexane produce 12 moles of carbon dioxide

So, 0.177 moles of hexane will produce = (12/2) x 0.177 = 1.062 mol of carbon dioxide

Now, calculating the mass of carbon dioxide by using the equation:

Molar mass of carbon dioxide = 44 g/mol

Moles of carbon dioxide = 1.062 mol

Putting values in the equation, we get:

1.062 mol = Mass of carbon dioxide / 44 g/mol

Mass of carbon dioxide = (1.062 mol x 44 g/mol) = 46.7 g

Hence, the mass of carbon dioxide produced is 46.7 grams.