Consider the reaction 4FeS2 + 11O2 → 2Fe2O3 + 8SO2. If 8 moles of FeS2 react with 15 moles of O2, what is the limiting reactant?

FeS2

Fe2O3

O2

SO2

The given reaction is:

4FeS2 + 11O2 → 2Fe2O3 + 8SO2

Reaction condition:

8 moles of FeS2

15 moles of O2

Moles of Fe2O3 formed under the given condition can be deduced as follows:

Based on reaction stoichiometry,

4 moles of FeS2 forms 2 moles of Fe2O3

Therefore, 8 moles of FeS2 would produce: 8*2/4 = 4 moles of Fe2O3

In addition:

11 moles of O2 forms 2 moles of Fe2O3

Therefore, 15 moles of O2 would produce: 15 * 2/11 = 2.73 moles of Fe2O3

Therefore, the limiting reagent is O2.