Chapter 11.8, Problem 11.13E

The oxidation of thallium(I) ion by cerium(IV) ion in aqueous solution has the equation

2 Ce⁴⁺(aq) + Tl⁺(aq) → 2 Ce³⁺(aq) + Tl³⁺(aq)

The accepted mechanism for this reaction is

$\begin{array}{l}Step\text{ 1: }C{e}^{4+}(aq)+M{n}^{2+}(aq)\to C{e}^{3+}(aq)+M{n}^{3+}(aq)\\ Step\text{ 2: }C{e}^{4+}(aq)+M{n}^{3+}(aq)\to C{e}^{3+}(aq)+M{n}^{4+}(aq)\\ Step\text{ 3: }M{n}^{4+}(aq)+T{l}^{+}(aq)\to M{n}^{2+}(aq)+T{l}^{3+}(aq)\end{array}$

1. (a) Verify that this mechanism predicts the overall reaction.
2. (b) Identify all intermediates in this mechanism.
3. (c) Identify the catalyst in this mechanism.
4. (d) Suppose that the first step in this mechanism is rate-limiting. Determine the rate law.
5. (e) Suppose that the second step in this mechanism is rate-limiting. Determine the rate law.