Two simple organic molecules that have been used as fuel additives are methanol (CH3OH) and 2-methoxy-2-methylpropane [tert-butyl methyl ether, (CH3)3COCH3]. The ∆H°comb values for these compounds in the gas phase are -182.6 kcal mor-1 for methanol and -809.7 kcal mol-1 for 2-methoxy-2-methylpropane.
(a) Write balanced equations for the complete combustion of each of these molecules to CO2 and H2O.
(b) Using Table 3-7, compare the ∆H°comb values for these compounds with those for alkanes with similar molecular weights.