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Kinetics II

Rate-determining step and mechanisms

  • 3 things to know
  • Papers 2 and 3

Overview

Recall questions on what the rate equation reveals about the slowest step, on testing a proposed mechanism against it, and on the iodination of propanone.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Process

How does a rate equation constrain a proposed mechanism?

Key term

Which species appear in the rate equation?

Key term

What is the rate-determining step?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is the rate-determining step?

    Model answer

    The slowest step in a multi-step reaction mechanism, which determines the overall rate.

  2. 2

    Which species appear in the rate equation?

    Model answer

    Only those involved in or before the rate-determining step.

  3. 3

    If a reactant does not appear in the rate equation, what does this tell you about the mechanism?

    Model answer

    That reactant plays no part in the slowest step.

  4. 4

    How can a rate equation be used to suggest a mechanism?

    Model answer

    The species and their orders in the rate equation indicate which species, and how many, take part in the rate-determining step.

  5. 5

    What must a proposed mechanism be consistent with?

    Model answer

    Both the rate equation and the overall balanced (stoichiometric) equation.

  6. 6

    Propanone is iodinated under acid catalysis — what order is the reaction in iodine?

    Model answer

    Zero order.

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