The correct equation for the incomplete combustion of ethanol is A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1

The incomplete combustion of ethanol (C2H5OH) occurs when there is not enough oxygen present for complete combustion, resulting in the formation of carbon monoxide (CO) alongside water (H2O).

In this case, the proper equation can be derived from the general form of incomplete combustion, which is:

$C_{n}H_{m} + O_{2} \rightarrow CO + H_{2}O$

Upon analyzing the options:

• Option A involves insufficient oxygen for incomplete combustion and produces too much CO.
• Option B represents complete combustion, resulting in CO2 and not CO.
• Option C shows complete combustion as well, emitting CO2 and H2O.
• Option D correctly takes into account the production of CO and H2O, thus representing the incomplete combustion of ethanol. Therefore, the correct answer is:

D. C2H5OH(l) + 3O2(g) → 2CO2(g) + 3H2O(l)