Question

Write chemical equation of combustion reaction of butane.

Answer 1

Hint: Combustion is also called as burning and it is a high temperature exothermic redox reaction. Butane is a hydrocarbon and all hydrocarbons burn in presence of oxygen to produce $C{O_2}$ and ${H_2}O$.

Complete answer:
Combustion reaction takes place when some hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen. In combustion heat is released and it is an exothermic reaction. Alkanes on heating in presence of air get completely oxidized to carbon dioxide and water. It burns with a non-luminous flame. Butane is also an alkane (hydrocarbon), so it burns in presence of oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water.
The combustion of butane (burning of hydrocarbon) takes place according to the following reaction given below:$2{C_4}{H_{10}}\left( {bu\tan e} \right) + 13{O_2}\left( {oxygen} \right) \to 8C{O_2}\left( {carbon\; dioxide} \right) + 10{H_2}O\left( {water} \right)$
${\Delta _c}{H^ \circ } = - 2875.84 \;KJmo{l^{ - 1}}$
Also, heat generated in the reaction shows that as the molecular mass of alkane increases, the liberation of heat also increases. Due to large evolution of heat during combustion, butane and its isomers (alkanes) are used as fuels. It is a combustion as well as oxidation reaction. All combustion reactions are oxidation reactions but all oxidation reactions are not combustion reactions.
During incomplete combustion of alkanes with insufficient amount of air or oxygen, carbon black is formed which is used in the manufacturing of ink, printer ink, black pigments and filters.

Note: Butane is a hydrocarbon and a highly flammable, colorless, odorless, easily liquefied gas. It is used as a propellant in aerosols, a heating fuel, a refrigerant and in the manufacture of a wide range of products. Butane is the constituent of LPG.