Explain the reaction mechanism of the following reaction by showing the types of bond splitting and atom rearrangements.
C + O2 = CO2
The reaction you mentioned is the combustion reaction of carbon with oxygen to form carbon dioxide. To understand the reaction mechanism, let's break it down step by step:
Step 1: Bond splitting
In the first step, the carbon-carbon (C-C) triple bond in the carbon molecule (C≡C) is broken. This bond splitting requires energy input, usually in the form of heat or a spark. As a result, two carbon atoms (C≡C) are separated into two individual carbon atoms (C•).
Step 2: Atom rearrangement
Now, let's consider the oxygen molecule (O2). The oxygen-oxygen (O-O) double bond in O2 remains intact throughout the reaction.
Step 3: Bond formation
In the next step, each carbon atom (C•) reacts with an oxygen molecule (O2). The carbon atom (C•) and one oxygen molecule (O2) undergo a radical addition reaction. This leads to the formation of a carbon-oxygen (C-O) double bond and the creation of a carbon dioxide molecule (CO2).
Overall, the reaction can be summarized as follows:
C + O2 → CO2
To determine the reaction mechanism, it is important to consider the bond splitting and atom rearrangements that occur during the reaction. In this case, the carbon-carbon triple bond in the carbon molecule is split, creating two individual carbon atoms. These carbon atoms then react with oxygen molecules, forming carbon dioxide.