In a reaction equation, the arrow separating reactants and products usually has a small word or abbreviation at the top. Why is this abbreviation included and what does it indicate? Is this part of the equation required for the reaction to proceed?

Calculate the standard enthalpy of formation of liquid methanol, ch3oh(l), using the following information: c(graphite) + o2 latex: \longrightarrow ⟶ co2(g) latex: \delta δ h° = –393.5 kj/mol h2(g) + o2 latex: \longrightarrow ⟶ h2o(l) latex: \delta δ h° = –285.8 kj/mol ch3oh(l) + o2(g) latex: \longrightarrow ⟶ co2(g) + 2h2o(l) latex: \delta δ h° = –726.4 kj/mol