Enthalpy of

Combustion of
Alcohols
Stage 2 - Chemistry Design
Practical

Titus John
SACE Reg No: 757278H
LSG 10 (David Cowen)

Titus John, SACE REG No: 757278H

0 | Page

Introduction
Chemical changes often result in the release or absorption of heat. This is
measured in terms of enthalpy (H). When a reaction has a net absorption of
heat energy, it is called an endothermic reaction (Kent Chemistry n.d.). In this
type of reaction, the enthalpy of the reactant is known to have a positive value.
On the other hand, a reaction that has a net production of heat energy is known
as an exothermic reaction (Kent Chemistry n.d.). In this case, the enthalpy of the
reactant is known to have a negative value. One of the forms of enthalpy is the
amount of heat absorbed or released due to combustion known as the enthalpy
of combustion (Hcomb). When bonds are broken and new bonds are formed,
energy is released in the form of heat and light (NSW Department of Education
2012). This study is done with the use of a calorimeter an apparatus what
measures heat changes. A temperature increase in water is used to calculate the
Molar heat of combustion of alcohols but as in such experiments, a relative value
for the amount of heat released is indicated due to the sources of error. Units for
the molar enthalpy change for a reaction is kJ mol -1.

Aim
To determine the energy released from combustion for a range of simple alcohols
and to investigate the relationship between molar mass and enthalpy of
combustion of the alcohols.

Hypothesis
As the molar mass of the alcohol increases, the energy released (enthalpy of
combustion) will become more negative. This is because as the molar mass
increases, the carbon and hydrogen compounds of the alcohol will increase and
combine with oxygen and hence an increase in energy released.

Variables
It is important to note the variables affecting the results to obtain them in an
accurate and systematic order.

Independent

The independent variable is the molar mass of the alcohols. This is the factor
being changed by burning different alcohols. The variable is varied as four
different alcohols are compared.

Dependent

The dependent variable is the enthalpy of combustion of the alcohols. By burning

the different alcohols, the enthalpy of combustion is calculated. It is dependent
as it changes for each alcohol being burnt.

Constant

Factors kept constant throughout the experiment are the mass of water, distance
of the wick and the calorimeter, and the temperature rise.
1. Mass of water: As the mass of water is directly proportional to the
combustion of heat; increasing the amount of water would also increase
the combustion of heat and therefore give varied results. Therefore, it is
necessary to keep this variable constant throughout the experiment.

Titus John, SACE REG No: 757278H

1 | Page

Keeping the amount of water constant for all alcohols used in the
calorimeter would give correct results for the enthalpy of combustion of
the alcohols.
2. Distance of the wick and calorimeter: As the distance between the
wick of the alcohol burner and calorimeter increases, heat is lost to the
surrounding and not all the heat reaches the bottom of the calorimeter.
Therefore, this will lead in a low temperature increase (T) and finally, an
incorrect enthalpy of combustion (H). Hence, it is better to keep the
distance between the wick and the calorimeter as low as possible. As a
result, a distance of 2cm is chosen and in this manner, this variable will be
kept constant throughout the experiment.
3. Temperature Rise: Temperature rise affects the dependent variable
(Enthalpy of Combustion). It has to be kept constant as various alcohols
have different molar mass and in turn, various enthalpy of combustion
values. These alcohols will give out different amount of heat to raise the
water by a constant temperature and hence will directly affect the
dependent variable. In the experiment, the temperature change will be
kept constant at 20oC.

Materials and Method

Materials

1x Retort Stand
4 Alcohol Burners (Methanol, Propanol, Pentanol and Heptanol)
1x Thermometer
1x Electronic Mass Balance
1x 250ml Beaker
1x Measuring Cylinder
1.5L of Distilled Water
1x Tin Can
Aluminium Foil (For Insulation)
1x Gas Lighter
1x Scissor
1x Heat Proof Mat

Safety Hazards
Hazard
Glassware Breakage
(Beaker and Cylinder)

Alcohol/Lighter Burns

Precaution
Ensure the clamp on the
retort stand is firmly
holding onto the beaker.
Make sure it isnt too
tight to avoid breakage
of glass. Use the
measuring cylinder on a
flat bench and away
from the edge
Be cautious when using
the gas lighter and do
not use it in any area of
spilt alcohol.

Emergency Action
If there is any glass
breakage, report it to the
teacher first and
immediately sweep the
are using a dustpan
without touching the
glass with hands

If the hand is burnt due

to the lighter, run it
under cold water for
about five minutes and
seek medical attention

Titus John, SACE REG No: 757278H

2 | Page

Cuts and scratches from

scissors and sharp ends
of Tin Can

Keep safe distance from

scissors and point it
away from your hands at
all times. Tape around
any sharp edges of the
Tin Can before use.

immediately
In case of any
emergency, clean the
area with running water
and use a band aid to
stop bleeding. If
persisting, seek medical
attention immediately.

Procedure
PART 1 - Setting up the Calorimeter (Scientific Diagram)
1) Punch holes into the Tin Can using a scissor. This allows oxygen into the
tin can which enables the alcohol lamps to burn continuously.
2) Wrap the top of the Tin Can with aluminium foil to insulate the calorimeter.
3) Punch a hole on the top of the aluminium foil with the scissor to create an
opening for the thermometer.
4) Place the tin can near a Retort Stand which will hold onto a 250ml Beaker
PART 2 - Design Experiment
1) Weigh the alcohol burner using an electronic mass balance. Record this as
the initial weight of the alcohol burner.
2) Measure 100ml of distilled water using a measuring cylinder and add it
into the 250ml beaker.
3) Record the initial temperature of the water using a thermometer
4) Place the alcohol burner inside the Tin Can and fasten the 250ml Beaker
onto the Retort Stand.
5) Place the Retort Stand on top of the Tin Can, 2cm above the Alcohol
Burner.
6) Light the Alcohol Burner with a Gas Lighter and quickly cover the lid of the
Tin Can with the aluminium foil. [As mentioned in Part 1 Step 2]
7) Gently Stir the Water with the thermometer while regularly checking the
temperature rise.
8) Put off the flame of the Alcohol Burner as soon as the temperature of the
water has risen a total of 20oC. Record the maximum temperature. This is
the final temperature of the water.
9) Weigh the alcohol burner using the mass balance. Record this as the final
weight of the alcohol burner.
10)
Wash all the apparatus and repeat the steps for the other three
alcohols which are to be tested.

Titus John, SACE REG No: 757278H

3 | Page

Scientific Diagram

Figure 1 Scientific Diagram for the experiment Set up

Titus John, SACE REG No: 757278H

4 | Page

Photos

Figure 2 Experiment Setup (Lid Uncovered)

Figure 3 Experiment Setup (Lid Covered)

Titus John, SACE REG No: 757278H

5 | Page

Results
Table 1 Experimental Results

METHANOL
TRIAL
TRIAL TRIAL
1
2
3

PROPANOL
TRIAL TRIAL TRIAL
1
2
3

PENT
TRIAL TR
1

(g)

287.87

286.75

285.58

279.41

278.71

277.98

294.95

29

(g)

286.75

285.58

284.36

278.71

277.98

277.33

294.30

29

(g)

1.118

1.174

1.220

0.7010

0.7280

0.6470

0.6530

0.7

ALCOHOL
INITIAL
WEIGHT
FINAL
WEIGHT
MASS
BURNT
MOLAR
MASS
MOLES
INITIAL
TEMPERATU
RE
FINAL
TEMPERATU
RE
TEMPERATU
RE
INCREASE
ENTHALPY
AVERAGE
ENTHALPY

(M)

32.04

60.10

88

(n)

0.0349

0.0366

0.0381

0.0117

0.0121

0.0108

0.0074

0.0

(C)

21.00

20.00

20.00

21.00

19.00

20.00

20.00

19

(C)

49.00

51.50

47.00

48.00

50.00

47.00

46.50

50

(C)

28.00

31.50

27.00

27.00

31.00

27.00

26.50

30

-337.0

-361.1

-297.8

-972.2

-1075

-1053

-1502

-1

(H)
(kJ/mol)
(H)
(kJ/mol)

-332.0

-1033

-1

Table 2 Comparison between Exp. and Lit Values.

Alcohol

Molar
Mass
(M)

Literature
Values

Percentage
Error
(%)

Average
Percentage
Error
(%)

726.0
2021
3331
4638

54.26
48.89
55.06
51.04

52.31

Enthalpy of Combustion (-kJ/mol)

Experimental
Values

Methanol
32.04
332.0
Propanol
60.1
1033
Pentanol
88.15
1497
Heptanol
100.2
2271
Literature values from: (Neutrium, 2014)

Titus John, SACE REG No: 757278H

6 | Page

Molar Mass of Alcohol (M) vs Enthalpy of Combustion

5000
R = 0.97
4500

4000

3500

3000

Exp Value
Enthalpy of Combustion
(Hcomb)

2500

Linear (Exp Value)

Literature Values

R = 0.95
2000

1500

1000

500

0
20

30

40

50

60

70

Molar Mass of Alcohol (M

Graph 1 Visual Comparison between Experimental and Literature Values

Sample Calculation of HComb of Methanol

M

Water
Water T Water C p

H=
H = Enthalpy of Combustion
M (water) = Mass of water
T (water) = Change in temperature of the water
Cp (water) = Heat capacity of distilled water (4.18 kJg -1 oC-1)
Titus John, SACE REG No: 757278H
7 | Page

FinalTempInitial Temp
Temperature Increase ( T Water )

4129=28
Initial WeightFinalWeight
287.87286.75=1.118

Mass Burnt

Chemical Formula for MethanolC H 3 OH

Molar Mass of EachCompond :
C=12, H =1,O=16

Molar Mass (M)

Molar Mass=12+1 (3 )+ 16+1=32.04 g /mol

n=
Moles burnt

n
( methanol)

n=

H=

Enthalpy of Combustion of Methanol

1.118
=0.0349
32.04

M Water T Water C pWater

1000 nalcohol

H Comb ( Methanol)

mass burnt
Molar Mass

( 100 28 4.18 )
1000 0.0349

337.0 kJ g1
ValueLiterature Value
100|
| ExperimentalLiterature
Value
Percentage Error Calculation
(Methanol)

100|=54.26
|332726
726

Titus John, SACE REG No: 757278H

8 | Page

Discussion and Evaluation

Discussion
The practical was a success in supporting the aim of this experiment, to
determine the energy released from combustion for a range of simple alcohols
and to investigate the relationship between molar mass and enthalpy of
combustion of the alcohols. The enthalpy of combustion for each alcohol was
calculated by using a makeshift calorimeter. The temperature difference of water
and the change in weight of the alcohol burners were used in formulating the
enthalpy of combustion. Out of the alcohols tested, Heptanol had the more
negative value for the enthalpy of combustion (-2271), then Pentanol (-1497),
Propanol (-1033) and lastly Methanol (-332). Looking at GRAPH 1, a clear trend
can be distinguished. As the molar mass of an alcohol increased, the enthalpy
change of combustion became increasingly negative. This meant that all the
reactions were exothermic. Since the molar mass was calculated by the
compounds of the alcohol, the number of C-H bonds were also a part in
determining an alcohol substance. As the number of C-H bonds increased with
the alcohols being tested, more energy was required to break the strong bonds
of C-H, O=O and C-C. Hence, the enthalpy of combustion increased (and became
more negative) as the molar mass increased for each alcohol.
By observing GRAPH 1, a strong positive correlation between the molecular
mass and enthalpy were distinguished. As each alcohol required more carbon
and hydrogen atoms (increase in molar mass), the combustion to break these
bonds increased respectively. The line of best fit on the graph also shows that the
experiment was inaccurate but precise. This can also be confirmed by the R 2
value for the graph which is very close to 1 (0.95). Although the practical was
precise, it lacked accuracy due to the way the experiment was conducted. It also
shows the relationship between molar mass and the enthalpy of combustion.
When the molar mass is increased, the enthalpy of combustion also increases
(becomes more negative). The results of this experiment were graphed against
the theoretical results and there is a translation on the graph. This is due to the
errors in the practical where energy could have been lost to the surroundings.
The literature value is assumed to have no irregular results based on a standard
condition where energy isnt lost.

Evaluation
Overall, the method used in this experiment to measure the enthalpy of
combustion provided reliable results where a successful conclusion could be
drawn. Although, looking at the results there is a large variation between the
collected result and the literature value for the enthalpies. With an average
percentage error of 52.31, it can be said that this practical was very inaccurate.
This is because the practical was conducted in a school environment with limited
access to equipment. It is to be noted that a makeshift calorimeter was used in
this experiment to calculate such delicate values. Therefore, finding outliers in
the experimental results is traditional for this type of experiment. However,
results obtained were kept as precise as possible by having number of replicates
and by averaging these results. There were still a number of limitations that has
affected this experiment (as listed below). It is to be noted that the systematic
error had a huge impact on the results compared to the random errors in this
experiment.
Titus John, SACE REG No: 757278H
9 | Page

An important source of systematic error is how the water in the calorimeter does
not absorb all the heat energy released from the combustion of the alcohol
burner. The surrounding air absorbs a large portion of the heat energy released
along with the material used to make the calorimeter itself (Tin Can). This is due
to the simple materials used to insulate and make the calorimeter. The uneven
distribution of heat would have affected the outcome of the results as the water
couldve been heated far quicker with less amount of alcohol. Therefore, there
would have been a change in the result for the enthalpy of combustion.
Heat of combustion is the heat liberated when the alcohol undergoes complete
combustion with oxygen at constant pressure. Since the alcohol was combusted
in surrounding air which consists of different atoms and not just Oxygen, the
combustion is incomplete. This source of systematic error was shown by the
smoke and soot at the bottom of the beaker after every test. Not all the carbon
from the alcohol had reacted with the oxygen and therefore the heat output is
less than it has to be. This lead to inaccurate results for the calculation of the
enthalpy of combustion.
Although the alcohol burner was lit immediately after it was opened, the alcohol
could have slightly evaporated from the wick of the burner and hence changed
the mass of the alcohol. This systematic error could have affected the results for
the enthalpies and may not be accurate as seen in the graph.
The electronic balance may have been incorrectly calibrated when weighing the
alcohol. This reduces the accuracy of the experiment as the mass recorded may
be incorrect. Since the mass is directly proportional to the calculation of the
moles burnt, this would affect the calculation of the enthalpy of combustion and
hence give inaccurate results for the conclusion.
The water in the beaker, although stirred continuously, was not done consistently
and therefore the heat would not have been evenly distributed. This wouldve
given varied results for each trial conducted in the experiment and therefore is a
random error.

Titus John, SACE REG No: 757278H

10 | Page

As evaluated, the practical was

very inaccurate in acquiring results
for the enthalpy of combustion. To
improve the accuracy of the
experimental values, modifying the
apparatus is necessary. The most
commonly used apparatus in
research labs for the determination
of the enthalpy of combustion is
the bomb calorimeter (Figure 4)
(Lower, S n.d). The sample of the
substance is carried out in oxygen
inside a steel bomb which is
immersed in water. The water and
other parts of the calorimeter
absorbs the heat released by the
Figure 4 Structure of a Bomb Calorimeter (Lower, S
substance and the temperature
n.d)
rise is recorded along with the
enthalpy of combustion. The insulated container makes the results recorded as
accurate as possible.

Conclusion
A simple makeshift calorimeter was used to measure the enthalpy of combustion
of different alcohols. Since the values were negative, it can be concluded that
the reactions were exothermic. An average result for the enthalpies were
determined and a relationship was distinguished. It was seen that as the Molar
mass increased, the enthalpy of combustion became more negative and thus
supported the practical hypothesis which stated: As the molar mass of the
alcohol increases, the energy released (enthalpy of combustion) will become
more negative.

References
Neutrium, 2014, Heat of Combustion accessed 12 June 2015,
https://neutrium.net/heat_transfer/heat-of-combustion/
Lower, S n.d., Constant Volume Calorimeter, ChemWiki UC Davis, accessed 12
June 2015,
http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/Physical_Chemistry/Thermodynamics/Calorimetry/Co
nstant_Volume_Calorimetry#The_Bomb_Calorimeter
Kent Chemistry n.d., Endothermic and Exothermic Processes, accessed 10 June
2015, http://www.kentchemistry.com/links/Matter/EndoExo.htm
NSW Department of Education 2012., Heat of Combustion, accessed 10 June
2015,
http://lrrpublic.cli.det.nsw.edu.au/lrrSecure/Sites/LRRView/13897/13897_pop13.ht
m

Titus John, SACE REG No: 757278H

11 | Page