The explosive nitroglycerin (C3H5N3O9) decomposes rapidly upon ignition or sudden impact according to the following balanced equation:
4 C3H5N3O9 (l) → 12 CO2 (g) + 10 H2O (g) + 6 N2 (g) + O2 (g) ΔHorxn = -5678 kJ
Calculate the standard enthalpy of formation (ΔHof) for nitroglycerin.
The enthalpy of formation of CO2 (g) is -393.5 kJ/mol. The enthalpy of formation of H2O (g) is -241.8 kJ/mol.