Answer to Question #135780 in Organic Chemistry for Lisimba

Question

Show the reaction of octane+oxygen+spark

Answer 1

Solution:

The balanced equation for the combustion of octane is:

2C₈H₁₈ + 25O₂ = 16CO₂ + 18H₂O

An octane molecule, in order to start a chemical reaction, must acquire some energy (activation energy) for breaking the old bonds and forming new bonds. In case of combustion, slight ignition or electric spark can provide this initial energy.