Involving Rate determining steps

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a chemical reaction mechanism involving rate-determining steps, specifically focusing on the reaction 2A + B --> 2E + F. Participants are trying to derive a second elementary reaction based on a proposed mechanism and the given rate law.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about deriving the second step of a proposed two-step mechanism and how to reconcile it with the given rate law.
  • Another participant prompts the original poster to consider the order of the reaction and the implications of the rate expression.
  • A suggestion is made to place the intermediate "C" on the left side of the second reaction equation.
  • It is noted that "C" is an intermediate and should not appear in the final product of the overall reaction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to agree on the role of "C" as an intermediate, but there is no consensus on the correct formulation of the second step or how to fully utilize the rate law in this context.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the assumptions about the reaction mechanism and the implications of the rate law on the proposed steps. The nature of the intermediate "C" and its role in the overall reaction remains a point of discussion.

Foon
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I have no idea how to figure this one out, I've been hacking away at it all evening. Please help :frown:

Consider the general reaction:

2A + B --> 2E + F

The experimentally determined rate law equation is written as follows:

Rate = k[A]

A proposed mechanism for the reaction has the first step below:

Step 1: A + B --> C + F (rate determinging step)

Assuming a two-step mechanism, write a possible second elementary reaction for this mechanism.


And this is what I have but I'm not sure if its right. And I'm totally puzzled as to how they get rid of the C.

Step1: A + B --> C + F
Step2: A --> C- + 2E
------------------------
2A + B --> 2E + F

It has to be totally wrong since they've given me a rate law which I have no idea how to use.
 
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HW, so this is going to be a step at a time: 1) what's the ORDER of the reaction --- you've got a rate expression; 2) what else does the rate expression tell you; 3) WHAT is "C"?
 
You're almost there. For the second equation put C on the left side. That should do it.
 
Do what meninger said. C is the intermediate in the reaction, therefore it can't be in the final product at all.
 

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