The combustion of ethane (C 2 H 6) produces carbon dioxide and steam. 2 C 2 H 6 (g) + 7 O 2 (g) ⟶ 4 CO 2 (g) + 6 H 2 O (g) How many moles of CO 2 are produced when 5.30 mol of ethane is burned in an excess of oxygen?

10.6 moles of CO₂ are produced in this combustion

Explanation:

The combustion reaction is:

2C₂H₆ (g) + 7O₂ (g) ⟶ 4CO₂ (g) + 6H₂O (g)

We assume the ethane as the limiting reactant because the excersise states that the O₂ is in excess.

We make a rule of three:

2 moles of ethane can produce 4 moles of CO₂

Therefore 5.30 moles of ethane will produce (5.3. 4) / 2 = 10.6 moles