For the reaction ? C6H6 + ? O2 → ? CO2 + ? H2O 41.4 grams of C6H6 are allowed to react with 142.5 grams of O2. How much CO2 will be produced by this reaction? Answer in units of grams.

Question

For the reaction ? C6H6 + ? O2 → ? CO2 + ? H2O 41.4 grams of C6H6 are allowed to react with 142.5 grams of O2. How much CO2 will be produced by this reaction? Answer in units of grams.

Answer 1

I'll help you balance the equation, and then using the stoichiometry of that balanced equation and dimensional analysis (as shown in the answer to your previous question), you should be able to solve the problem.

C₆H₆ + O₂ → 6CO₂ + H₂O ... balanced for C

C₆H₆ + O₂ → 6CO₂ + 3H₂O ... balanced for C and H

C₆H₆ + 7.5 O₂ → 6CO₂ + 3H₂O ... balanced for C, H and O, but we'll multiply all by 2 to eliminate fractions..

2 C₆H₆ + 15 O₂ → 12 CO₂ + 6 H₂O ... balanced equation

Now, convert 41.4 g C6H6 to moles, then convert this to moles of CO2 produced.

Convert 142.5 g O2 to moles, then convert this to moles of CO2 produced.

Whichever is less is the answer as that reactant will be the limiting reactant. (HINT: in this case the limiting reactant is C₆H₆)