Question

Balance the equation for explosive reaction of nitroglycerin, C3H5(NO3)3, Then assign oxidation numbers to each element, by writing it above each element in your chemical equation. The products formed are carbon dioxide, nitrogen, water and oxygen

Answer 1

Balanced reaction is

4 C₃H₅(NO₃)₃ 12 CO₂ + 10 H₂O + 6 N₂ + O₂

In nitroglycerin

Charge of NO₃^- = -1.

Oxidation number of N = +5

Oxidation number of O = -2

Then , total charge of C₃H₅ = +3.

Oxidation number of H = +1.

Let average oxidation number of carbon is x

So, 3×x +5 = +3

Or, 3x = -2

Or, x = - (2/3) .

Oxidation number of each carbon is given below.

In CO₂

Oxidation number of O = -2.

Then oxidation number of carbon = +4.

In H₂O

Oxidation number of O = -2

Oxidation number of H = +1.

In N₂

Oxidation number of N = zero.

In O₂

Oxidation number of O = zero.