2C_6H_14 + 19O_2 → 12CO_2 + 14H_2O
<em>Step 1</em>. Write the <em>condensed structural formula</em> for 2,3-dimethylbutane.
(CH_3)_2CHCH(CH_3)_2
<em>Step 2</em>. Write the <em>molecular formula</em>.
C_6H_14
<em>Step 3</em>. Write the <em>unbalanced chemical equation</em>.
C_6H_14 + O_2 → CO_2 + H_2O
<em>Step 4</em>. Pick the <em>most complicated-looking formula</em> (C_6H_14) and balance its atoms (C and H).
<em>1</em>C_6H_14 + O_2 → <em>6</em>CO_2 + <em>7</em>H_2O
<em>Step 5</em>. Balance the <em>remaining atoms</em> (O).
1C_6H_14 + (<em>19/2</em>)O_2 → 6CO_2 + 7H_2O
Oops! <em>Fractional coefficients</em>!
<em>Step 6</em>. <em>Multiply all coefficients by a number</em> (2) to give integer coeficients..
2C_6H_14 + 19O_2 → 12CO_2 + 14H_2O