Combustion of Methanol
2CH3OH + 3O2 → 2CO2 + 4H2O
Overview
Methanol burns in air with a nearly invisible pale blue flame, making methanol fires extremely dangerous because they are hard to see. This was a particular hazard in early Indianapolis 500 racing, where methanol-fueled cars sometimes caught fire without visible flames.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Methanol CH₃OH | 2 | (l) |
| Reactant | Oxygen O | 3 | (g) |
| Product | Carbon Dioxide CO₂ | 2 | (g) |
| Product | Water H₂O | 4 | (l) |
Everyday Example
Methanol is used as fuel in camping stoves, RC cars, and was the standard fuel for IndyCar racing until the switch to ethanol.
Industrial Importance
Methanol fuel cells are being developed for portable electronics and vehicles. Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) convert methanol to electricity without combustion.
Properties
- Type
- Combustion
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -1452.0 kJ/mol
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Combustion of Methanol?
The balanced equation is: 2CH₃OH + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 4H₂O.
What type of reaction is Combustion of Methanol?
Combustion of Methanol is a combustion reaction.
Is Combustion of Methanol exothermic or endothermic?
Combustion of Methanol is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -1452.0 kJ/mol.