what is the rate determining step in the mechanism of: Step 1: CH3COCH3 (aq) + H+ (aq) -----> CH3COHCH3+ (aq), Step 2: CH3COHCH3+ (aq) --> CH3COHCH2 (aq) + H+ (aq), Step 3 : CH3COHCH2 (aq) + I2 (aq) ---> CH3COCH2I (aq) + H+ (aq) + I- (aq) and why
The rate-determining step in a reaction mechanism is the slowest step, as it determines the overall rate of the reaction. In this reaction mechanism, the rate-determining step is Step 3:
CH3COHCH2 (aq) + I2 (aq) ---> CH3COCH2I (aq) + H+ (aq) + I- (aq)
This step is likely the slowest because it involves the formation of a new bond between CH3COHCH2 and I2 to form CH3COCH2I. Bond formation is generally slower compared to other steps in a reaction mechanism, such as bond breaking or proton transfer. Therefore, Step 3 is the rate-determining step in this mechanism.