1 C2H5OH + 3 O2 -> 2 CO2 + 3 H20 Identify theoretical yields in moles if 1.00 mol of each reactant was used.

Question

1 C2H5OH + 3 O2 -> 2 CO2 + 3 H20

Identify theoretical yields in moles if 1.00 mol of each reactant was used.

Answer 1

C2H5OH + 3 O2 -> 2 CO2 + 3 H20 ... balanced equation

If 1 mole of each reactant is used, the LIMITING REACTANT will be O2 since it will run out first as it requires 3 moles for each 1 mol of C2H5OH.

The theoretical yield of products (CO2 and H2O) is dependent on the limiting reactant, and based on the mole ratios in the balanced equation, you would have...

moles CO2 produced = 1 mol O2 x 2 mol CO2 / 3 mols O2 = 2/3 mols CO2

moles H2O produced = 1 mol O2 x 3 mols H2O / 3 mol O2 = 1 mol H2O

Answer 2

If 1 mole of each reactant used then 1/3 moles of C2H5OH will react with the 1 mole of O2

(USING THE EQUATION)

For each mole of C2H5OH we get a theoretical yield of 2 moles CO2 3 moles H2O

So for 1/3 mole we get, 2/3 mole CO2, 3/3 = 1 mole H2O