Question:medium
What happens when butane is burnt in air? Write the chemical equation for the reaction. Differentiate between the flames obtained when butane and butyne both are burnt in air in similar conditions.
What happens when butane is burnt in air? Write the chemical equation for the reaction. Differentiate between the flames obtained when butane and butyne both are burnt in air in similar conditions.
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Butanes generally burn with a blue, non-luminous flame (complete combustion), while alkynes like butyne burn with a yellowish, luminous flame (incomplete combustion).
Updated On: Feb 24, 2026
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Solution and Explanation
Butane Combustion in Air: Butane (\( C_4H_{10} \)) reacts with oxygen in air, producing carbon dioxide and water: \[ 2 C_4H_{10} + 13 O_2 \rightarrow 8 CO_2 + 10 H_2O \]. This is a complete combustion process.
Flame Differences: Butane vs. Butyne
Butane (C\(_4\)H\(_10\)): Butane burns cleanly in air, yielding a blue flame, due to complete combustion, producing carbon dioxide and water.
Butyne (C\(_4\)H\(_6\)): Butyne combustion results in a yellowish, smoky flame, indicating incomplete combustion and the formation of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, alongside water.
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