Question

Name the products formed when ethanol burns in air. List two forms of energy that are liberated on burning ethanol.

Answer 1

The combustion of ethanol is an exothermic reaction. In addition to the formation of new compounds, the chemical reaction that takes place when ethanol is burnt also releases a lot of heat, 277.7 kJ per mole of ethanol. In summary, when ethanol burns, it reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water and heat.