Step 1: Determine the reaction type and predict the products
The given reaction is a combustion reaction where the propanol reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.
The balanced reaction is:
C_3H_7OH + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O
Step 2: Balance the equation
To balance the equation:
1. Balance the carbon atoms:
C_3H_7OH + 4.5O_2 \rightarrow 3CO_2 + 4H_2O
2. Balance the hydrogen atoms:
C_3H_7OH + 4.5O_2 \rightarrow 3CO_2 + 4H_2O
3. Balance the oxygen atoms:
C_3H_7OH + 4.5O_2 \rightarrow 3CO_2 + 4H_2O
Step 3: Answer
The balanced equation for the combustion of propanol (C_3H_7OH) is:
C_3H_7OH + 4.5O_2 \rightarrow 3CO_2 + 4H_2O