Is this possible to solve with Half Reaction method?

[billy2908]

Homework Statement

C3H5(NO3)3 --> N2 + CO2 + H2O + O2

Homework Equations

non O and H oxi states as follows
C: -2/3 to +4
N: +5 to 0

The Attempt at a Solution

Oxi: C3H5(NO3)3 --> CO2 +6e- added 6 electrons to balance net carbon oxi state

Red: C3H5(NO3)3 +15e- --> N2 added 15 electrons to balance net nitrogen oxi state

then no idea after this...

another variant I did for this problem is adjusting for coeffs first
2C3H5(NO3)3 --> 3N2 + 6CO2 + H2O + O2

Oxi: 2C3H5(NO3)3 --> 6CO2 + 28e- to balance out carbon oxi state
Red: 2C3H5(NO3)3 + 15e- --> 3N2


I know the answers already using conventional trial and error

However, when I try the half reaction method using Carbon in the oxidation and Nitrogen in the reduction I keep getting complications.

I do not know if the half reaction method even works for this so please help me if this is possible. Otherwise tell me it's impossible so I can get on with my life

 

[Borek]

Half reaction method requires balancing charges for each half reaction separately - as there are no charged species in the reaction, it won't be possible here. Perhaps it can be done using some dirty tricks, but it will be an art for art's sake and a waste of time.