Question

The following reaction represents biomass synthesis from hexadecane:
\(\,C_{16}H_{34} + 12.5 O_2 + 2.13 NH_3 \rightarrow 10.6 CH_{1.66}O_{0.27}N_{0.27} + 5.37 CO_2 + 11.4 H_2O \)
where \( CH_{1.66}O_{0.27}N_{0.27} \) represents the biomass. The value of respiratory quotient (rounded off to two decimal places) is ________________.

Hint:

RQ<1 indicates more oxygen consumption compared to carbon dioxide production, typical for lipid metabolism.
RQ = 1 is typical for carbohydrates, RQ<1 for fats, and RQ>1 for organic acids.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 0.41

Step 1: Respiratory quotient (RQ) is defined as the molar ratio of \( CO_2 \) produced to \( O_2 \) consumed.
Step 2: From the equation:
\( O_2 \) consumed = 12.5 mol
\( CO_2 \) produced = 5.37 mol
Step 3: Therefore,
\[ RQ = \frac{CO_2 \, produced}{O_2 \, consumed} = \frac{5.37}{12.5} = 0.4296 \approx 0.43 \] \(\therefore\) The respiratory quotient is \(\mathbf{0.43}\).