# Homework Help: Help with Propanal formulas

1. Dec 13, 2007

### Tak

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

I am trying to find a balanced equation for Propanol, and in addition - what is the Kcal/gram of Protonal

2. Relevant equations

I think I'm starting with CH3 CH2 CH2 OH (left side) and CO2 H20 (right side)

3. The attempt at a solution

CH3CH2CH2 OH to 6CO2 2H20 I'm not sure if that balances the equation or not. Additionally I have been trying to find information on Propanal being used as a bio fuel but all the sites I am able to pull up only talk about methanol and ethanol - what am I missing?

Thanks allot

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

2. Dec 14, 2007

### chemisttree

When you balance a formula, the same number of atoms of each species must be balanced. I notice that you have

$$CH_3-CH_2-CH_2-OH \rightarrow\ 6CO_2 + 2H_2O$$

Is this balanced?

3. Dec 14, 2007

### Tak

OK, so if I count up the atoms in the original formula - CH3 CH2 CH2 OH (left side) and CO2 H20 (right side)

C has 3 on the right 1 on the left
H has 8 on the right 2 on the left
O has 1 on the right 3 on the left

Then to balance is it CH3 CH2 CH2 2OH - 2CO2 4H20 ?

4. Dec 14, 2007

### chemisttree

It should be: $$CH_3-CH_2-CH_2-OH \rightarrow\ 2CO_2 + 4H_2O$$
(but something(s) is wrong about it)

The way I see it there are three carbons on the left and 2 on the right.
There are 8 hydrogens on the left and 8 on the right.
There is one oxygen on the left and 8 on the right.

Is this balanced?

Last edited: Dec 14, 2007
5. Dec 21, 2007

### bsimmo

Propanal / Propanol ?

They are not the same thing, which one is it ?

One is $$C_{3}H_{8}O$$ propanol (has 2 forms, propan-1-ol and propan-2-ol )

The other is $$C_{3}H_{6}O$$ propanal

Before you even start balancing you need to know which chemical you actualy mean. From contect of burning of fuels I assume it is propanol and propan-1-ol at that.

P.S. What else is needed to make fire ... fuel + ?

Last edited: Dec 21, 2007