New answers tagged combustion
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One of the best known examples is nitroglycerin, $\ce{C3H5N3O9}$, which has $18$ oxygen atoms in two molecules whereas only $17$ are required to oxidize all the carbon and hydrogen in those molecules. Not surprisingly:
In its undiluted form, nitroglycerin is a contact explosive, with physical shock causing it to explode. If it has not been adequately ...
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As shown in the question, to fully oxidize one carbon and two hydrogen atoms you need three oxygens. Such a molecule, $\ce{HCOOOH}$, exists and it's called performic acid. It is used as a bleach and disinfectant and is explosive in high concentrations.
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Ammonium dichromate $\ce{(NH4)2Cr2O7}$ is well known for being able to burn with its own oxygen. If you dip a match into a crucible containing about $10\text{–}\pu{15 g}$ of ammonium dichromate, it will start to burn softly and throw out sparks like an active volcano, according to the equation $$\ce{(NH4)2Cr2O7 -> N2 + Cr2O3 + 4 H2O}$$ This operation is ...
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