C5H12 + 8O2 -> 5CO2 + 6H2O
The standard enthalpy change of this reaction, denoted by ΔH°, is the heat of combustion. It represents the amount of heat released when one mole of pentane is burned in the presence of excess oxygen under standard conditions (1 atmosphere pressure and 25°C). The standard heat of combustion of pentane is -3511.0 kJ/mol.
This negative value indicates that the reaction is exothermic, meaning that heat is released during the combustion process. The larger the absolute value of ΔH°, the more energy is released during combustion. In the case of pentane, the high heat of combustion makes it a good fuel, providing significant energy output when burned.
