Is a Collision Between Three Molecules Necessary for the Formation of 2SO3?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the reaction 2SO2(g) + O2(g) -> 2SO3 and the misconception that it requires a direct collision between one O2 molecule and two SO2 molecules. It is clarified that while the formation of an intermediate like S2O6 might seem plausible, it does not accurately represent the reaction mechanism. Instead, the reaction is more likely to occur in a series of steps rather than a single collision involving all three molecules simultaneously. This highlights the importance of understanding reaction mechanisms, as the overall equation does not necessarily depict the actual process by which the products are formed.
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For the reaction, 2SO2(g) +O2 (g) ->2SO3. Why is it wrong to say that the reaction must involve a collision between one O2 and two SO2 molecules? Don't they form S2O6, which is equivalent to the product, 2SO3? What should I say then, about the reactants in forming 2SO3? Thank you so much!
 
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It is quite unlikely for three molecules to bump at each other with correct energies at the same time. It is much more likely that the reaction occurs in steps, and the total reaction equation doesn't reflect the mechanism.
 

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