Which of the following correctly lists the reactants and products in the complete combustion of butane (C_4H_{10}) with excess oxygen?

• A. Reactants: C_4H_{10} and CO_2; Products: O_2 and H_2O
• B. Reactants: C_4H_{10} and O_2; Products: CO and H_2O
• C. Reactants: C_4H_{10} and H_2O; Products: CO_2 and O_2
• D. Reactants: C_4H_{10} and O_2; Products: CO_2 and H_2O

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of reaction: Complete combustion of a hydrocarbon involves reacting the hydrocarbon with oxygen (O_2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water (H_2O).
2. Write the general form of the complete combustion reaction for butane (C_4H_{10}): \(\mathrm{C_4H_{10} + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O}\).
3. Recognize that the reactants must include butane (C_4H_{10}) and oxygen (O_2), and the products must be carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water (H_2O) for complete combustion.
4. Check the given options to see which list matches the reactants and products of complete combustion: reactants should be C_4H_{10} and O_2, products should be CO_2 and H_2O.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is the one listing reactants as C_4H_{10} and O_2, and products as CO_2 and H_2O, because this matches the definition of complete combustion.