Reaction

Mechanism
Kathy M. Reley
12 STEM-4
 REACTION MECHANISM
It is the sequence of elementary steps by which a
chemical reaction occurs
 ELEMENTARY STEP or REACTION
- It describes an individual molecular event in a reaction
mechanism.

REACTION INTERMEDIATES
- They are often short-lived and difficult to observe
experimentally.

RATE DETERMINING STEP

- The rate-determining step is the slowest step in a reaction
mechanism.
 TYPES OF
ELEMENTARY
REACTION
Unimolecular Elementary
Reactions
Example:

𝑂3(𝑔) → 𝑂2(𝑔) + 𝑂(𝑔)

The rate of this reaction is first order.

R=k[𝑂3 ]
Bimolecular Elementary Reactions
Example:

𝑂3(𝑔) + 𝑂(𝑔) → 2𝑂2(𝑔)

The rate of this reaction is second order.

R=k[𝑂3 ][𝑂]
Termolecular Elementary Reactions
Example:

2A + B → PRODUCT

The rate of this reaction is third order.

R=k[𝐴]2 [B]
RATE-DETERMINING STEP
Example:

𝐻2(𝑔) + 2𝐼𝐶𝑙(𝑔) → 𝐼2(𝑔) + 2𝐻𝐶𝑙(𝑔)

Where the rate law is

R=k[𝐻]2 [ICl]
RATE-DETERMINING STEP
Example:

1) SLOW: 𝐻2 + 𝐼𝐶𝑙 → 𝐻𝐼 + 𝐼𝐶𝑙

2) FAST: HCl + HI→ 𝐻𝐶𝑙 + 𝐼2
NET: 𝐻2(𝑔) + 2𝐼𝐶𝑙(𝑔) → 𝐼2(𝑔) + 2𝐻𝐶𝑙(𝑔)

Where the rate law is

R=𝑘1 [𝐻]2 [ICl]

R=𝑘2 [HI] [ICl]
 CONCLUSION

They can be used to

predict reaction
Reaction products and
mechanisms are optimize reaction Further research into
essential for reaction mechanisms can
understanding the
conditions. lead to the development of
new catalysts and improved
steps involved in a reaction pathways.
chemical reaction.
Thank You!!