Limiting reactant

Example :
Aluminium reacts with oxygen to form aluminium oxide according the following equation :

4 Al(s) + 3 O2(g) 2 Al2O3(s)

mol
O2
3
4
3
1.5
0.4

Al
4
4
5
2
0.6
Al = 0.6
4
O2 = 0.4
3

Initial

Mol reactant
remaining
1 mol O2
1 mol Al
0.07 mol Al

= 0.15
0.13 < 0.15
= 0.13 limiting reactant : O2

Reaction :
Final

Limiting
reactant
equivalent
Al
O2
equivalent
O2

Al2O3
2
2
2
1
0.27

4 Al(s)

0.6 mol

4/3 (0.4 mol)

= 0.53 mol
:

0.07 mol

3 O2(g)

0.4 mol

0.4 mol

2 Al2O3(s)
-

2/3 (0.4 mol)

= 0.27 mol

0.27 mol