incomplete cobustion

• Sometimes if there is not a plentiful supply of oxygen, then fuels will undergo incomplete combustion and will be able to form water along with one of the two following products:

  -         Carbon monoxide (CO(g)) which is a gas

  -         Carbon (C(s)) which is a solid
• The production of carbon monoxide is a potential danger as it is highly toxic. This is because it prevents the haemoglobin in red blood cells from binding with oxygen.
• Occasionally incomplete combustion is desirable – such as with a Bunsen burner. Closing the air hole produces a yellow flame (the yellow colour results from hot carbon particles) and this makes the flame more visible.