Write a balanced equation for the complete combustion of 2,3,3-trimethylpentane. Use the molecular formula for the alkane (C before H) and the smallest possible integer coefficients.

C8H18 + 25/2O2 > 8CO2 + 9H2O

Explanation:

2,3,3-trimethylpentane has the molecular formula C8H18.

The general formula for the combustion of an alkane is;

CnH2n+2 + 3n+1/2O2 >nCO2 + (n+1)H2O

In writing a balanced chemical reaction equation, the number of atoms of each element on the left hand side of the reaction equation must be the same as the number of atoms of the same element on the right hand side of the reaction equation.

For C8H18, the balanced chemical reaction equation for combustion is;

C8H18 + 25/2O2 > 8CO2 + 9H2O