Question

butanol thermodynamics
reaction identification
butanol, c₄h₉oh, is used in varnishes and protective coatings for wood. the compound is flammable and must be properly stored.
c₄h₉oh(l) + 6o₂(g) → 4co₂(g) + 5h₂o(g)
what classification of reaction is the combustion of butanol?
neutralization reaction
oxidation - reduction reaction
precipitation reaction
formation reaction

Explanation:

• Neutralization reactions involve acids and bases forming salts and water, which is not the case here.
• Oxidation - reduction (redox) reactions involve electron transfer (change in oxidation states). In combustion of butanol, carbon in butanol is oxidized (oxidation state increases) and oxygen in \(O_2\) is reduced (oxidation state decreases), so it is a redox reaction.
• Precipitation reactions form insoluble solids, which is not relevant here.
• Formation reactions form one mole of a compound from its elements, which is not the case for this combustion reaction.

Answer:

Oxidation - reduction reaction