Propane (C3H8) is a common fuel source for backyard grills,…
Propane (C3H8) is a common fuel source for backyard grills, some generators, and vehicles. It is normally a gas at room temperature but can be compressed and stored as a liquid. It is nontoxic, colorless, and virtually odorless. An identifying odor is added so it can be detected in the case of a leak. Propane can be a preferred fuel because it generally burns cleaner than some other fossil fuels. However, in order for it to burn properly, it needs to be reacted with plenty of oxygen. The reaction below shows the incomplete combustion of propane. If not enough oxygen is present for complete combustion, incomplete combustion occurs. The result of a complete combustion reaction is water vapor, carbon dioxide gas and heat. But incomplete combustion also produces carbon monoxide gas. 2 C3H8 + 9 O2 → 8 H2O + 4 CO2 + 2 CO + Heat [Equation 1]
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