Question

Write a balanced equation for the combustion of isoprene, \[{C_5}{H_8}\] , in an abundant supply of oxygen?

Answer 1

Hint: Isoprene is an alkene with the molecular formula of \[{C_5}{H_8}\] , it can be known as \[2\] -methyl \[1,3\] -butadiene. It can undergo a combustion reaction in presence of abundant oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water as the products. In a limited quantity of oxygen, combustion of alkenes does not occur completely.

Complete answer:
Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons consisting of one or more carbon-carbon double \[\left( {C = C} \right)\] bonds. Isoprene is an alkene with the molecular formula of \[{C_5}{H_8}\] . The IUPAC name of isoprene is \[2\] -methyl \[1,3\] -butadiene. It has one methyl group and two carbon-carbon double bonds.
Isoprene is a colourless volatile liquid which can be used mainly in the preparation of polymer known as natural rubber.
Combustion reactions are the reactions in which the hydrocarbons react with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. Alkanes undergo combustion reactions easily and alkenes also undergo combustion reactions but do not occur readily like alkanes.
The reactants in combustion reactions are hydrocarbons like alkanes and alkenes. The products are carbon dioxide and water.
The balanced chemical equation for the combustion of isoprene is
\[{C_5}{H_8} + 7{O_2} \to 5C{O_2} + 4{H_2}O\]
From the chemical reaction it was clear that there were an equal number of atoms on both sides of the reaction.

Note:
Alkenes like isoprene do not undergo combustion reactions completely in the presence of a limited oxygen amount. The supply of oxygen must be abundant while doing the combustion reaction of alkenes. As isoprene, \[{C_5}{H_8}\] , is taken with abundant supply of oxygen, in the above reaction leads to complete combustion reaction.