What is the process to determine the limiting reactant in a chemical reaction?

To determine the limiting reactant in a chemical reaction, one must calculate the moles of each reactant based on the stoichiometry of the balanced chemical equation. The limiting reactant is the substance that will be entirely consumed first, thus determining the maximum amount of product that can be formed.

First, you start by converting the amounts of each reactant into moles, often using the molar mass for conversion. Once the moles of each reactant are known, you compare these quantities based on the stoichiometric ratios from the balanced equation. The reactant that produces the least amount of product, when calculated according to these ratios, is identified as the limiting reactant.

This process is essential because it directly affects the efficiency of the reaction and the total yield of the desired product. Therefore, focusing on the yield of products from each reactant through stoichiometric comparison ensures accurate identification of the limiting reactant.