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Pentadecane, C₁₅H₃₂, is a hydrocarbon and is used as a fuel - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry Combined Science - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 6
Pentadecane, C₁₅H₃₂, is a hydrocarbon and is used as a fuel. (a) The incomplete combustion of pentadecane produces carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas. ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Pentadecane, C₁₅H₃₂, is a hydrocarbon and is used as a fuel - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry Combined Science - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain why the incomplete combustion of pentadecane can produce carbon monoxide as one of the products.
Answer
The incomplete combustion of pentadecane occurs when there is insufficient oxygen available to react fully with the hydrocarbon. In this situation, instead of forming carbon dioxide (CO₂) as the main product, carbon monoxide (CO) is produced alongside water (H₂O). This occurs because the carbon atoms may not fully oxidize, resulting in CO formation, which contains carbon in a lower oxidation state.
Step 2
Explain how carbon monoxide behaves as a toxic gas.
Answer
Carbon monoxide is toxic because it binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells more effectively than oxygen does. This reduces the blood's capacity to carry oxygen, leading to symptoms of oxygen deprivation in the body. At higher concentrations, carbon monoxide can cause serious health effects and can be fatal, as it disrupts the ability of the body's cells to utilize oxygen.
Step 3