Heat of combustion

[alanan84]

Can someone explain why a higher heat of combustion equates to less stability. I thought it would be the other way around...

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[Kneecoal]

mm... i would say think less stability = bigger boom

 

[alanan84]

mm... i would say think less stability = bigger boom

I like it...

 

[nze82]

Heat of combustion (Delta H) is the energy difference between the energy level of reactants and that of the products. Now, look at the following figure. How can you increase this difference?
Increase the energy level of reactants, and you'll get a larger Delta-H. Of course, reactants with higher energy contents are less stable.

 

[PrivateJoker]

Here is an encyclopedia example for you.

"If equal quantities of two isomeric hydrocarbons burn to produce equal amounts of carbon dioxide and water, the one releasing more energy (i.e., with the higher heat of combustion) is the less stable, since it was the more energetic in its compounded form."