What happens when ethanol burns?
1 Answer
justaguide | College Teacher | (Level 2) Distinguished Educator
Ethanol is a chemical compound made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. The chemical formula of ethanol is `CH_3CH_2OH` .
When ethanol is burnt, it reacts with oxygen and produces water and carbon dioxide. The chemical equation of the combustion of ethanol is:
`CH_3CH_2OH + 3O_2 -> 2CO_2 + 3H_2O`
The combustion of ethanol is an exothermic reaction. In addition to the formation of new compounds, the chemical reaction that takes place when ethanol is burnt also releases a lot of heat, 277.7 kJ per mole of ethanol.
In summary, when ethanol burns, it reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water and heat.