Consider the reaction
Select a possible mechanism for the reaction.
Step1:Step2:X2Y+Z2→X2YZ+Z (slow)X2Y+Z→X2YZ (fast)
One possible mechanism for this reaction could be:
Step 1: X2Y + Z2 → X2YZ + Z (slow)
Step 2: X2YZ + Z → X2Y2Z2 (fast)
The given reaction has two steps: Step 1 and Step 2. Let's break down the mechanism of the reaction:
Step 1:
X2Y + Z2 → X2YZ + Z (slow)
This step involves the reaction between X2Y and Z2. It is a slow step, indicating it has a higher activation energy and determines the rate of the overall reaction.
Step 2:
X2Y + Z → X2YZ (fast)
In Step 2, X2Y reacts with Z to form X2YZ. This step is fast, indicating it has a lower activation energy and does not significantly affect the rate of the overall reaction.
So, the possible mechanism for the given reaction can be summarized as:
Step 1 (slow): X2Y + Z2 → X2YZ + Z
Step 2 (fast): X2Y + Z → X2YZ
To select a possible mechanism for the given reaction, we need to analyze the overall reaction and propose the steps involved in the reaction mechanism.
The overall reaction can be represented as follows:
X2Y + Z2 → X2YZ + Z
Based on the given information, we have two steps in the proposed reaction mechanism:
Step 1: X2Y + Z2 → X2YZ + Z (slow)
Step 2: X2Y + Z → X2YZ (fast)
Now, let's break down the proposed mechanism and explain the steps involved:
Step 1: X2Y + Z2 → X2YZ + Z (slow)
In this step, the reactants X2Y and Z2 combine to form the product X2YZ and an additional Z species. This step is described as slow, indicating that it is the rate-determining step of the reaction. The free radicals generated in this step are reactive intermediates.
Step 2: X2Y + Z → X2YZ (fast)
In this second step, the reactive intermediate Z reacts with another molecule of X2Y to form the final product X2YZ. This step is considered fast because it occurs rapidly after the rate-determining step, and it does not significantly affect the overall rate of the reaction.
Overall, the proposed mechanism suggests that the reaction proceeds through the formation of a reactive intermediate (Z), which reacts with the reactant X2Y to form the desired product X2YZ. The slow step involves the formation of the reactive intermediate Z, while the fast step involves the consumption of the reactive intermediate to form the product.
It is important to note that the proposed mechanism is just one possibility, and there could be alternative mechanisms that could explain the observed reaction. Experimental evidence and further analysis would be required to confirm the actual mechanism.