Question

consider the reaction diagram shown below.
a. determine which step in the forward direction has the highest activation energy.
b. is the second intermediate more likely to return to the first intermediate or to proceed to produce the product?
c. what step is the rate - determining step?
a. first step (b-->c)
b. proceed to form the product
c. second step (b -->c)
a. first step (a-->b)
b. proceed to form the product
c. first step (a-->b)
a. third step (c-->d)
b. return to the first intermediate
c. second step (b -->c)
a. second step (b-->c)
b. return to the first intermediate
c. second step (b -->c)

Explanation:

Step1: Identify highest activation - energy step

The highest peak from reactants to product in forward direction is for the first step.

Step2: Analyze intermediate's fate

The energy barrier to proceed to product from second intermediate is lower than returning to first intermediate.

Step3: Determine rate - determining step

The step with the highest activation energy (first step here) is the rate - determining step.

Answer:

a. First step (A-->B)
b. Proceed to form the product
c. First step (A-->B)