What happens to alcohols when they burn in air?

When alcohols burn in air, they typically undergo complete combustion, which is the most efficient reaction with sufficient oxygen. In this process, the alcohol reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. The complete combustion of alcohols is characterized by the complete oxidation of carbon in the alcohol molecule, resulting in the maximum release of energy and the production of less harmful products compared to incomplete combustion.

In contrast, incomplete combustion occurs when there is insufficient oxygen, resulting in the production of carbon monoxide and potentially unburned carbon, which is not the case here for the complete combustion scenario. The reaction is efficient, and thus the alcohol is effectively transformed into carbon dioxide and water, making it a clean type of burning. Additionally, the claim that alcohols do not react with air is inaccurate because they do indeed burn when mixed with oxygen from the air during combustion.