Chapter 16, Problem 16.126P

(a)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The mechanism for the given reaction has to be written.

Concept Introduction:

Reaction mechanism is the sum total of all the chemical reactions occurs during that reaction.

Consider a chemical reaction involves 3 steps as follows,

$\begin{array}{l}\left(1\right)A+B\to C\\ \\ \left(2\right)C+A\to D\\ \\ \left(3\right)\text{ D}\to \text{E}+\text{F}\end{array}$

By adding all the steps and removing the common terms from both sides a final reaction will be obtained as below.

$\begin{array}{l}A+B+\cancel{C}+A+\cancel{D}\to \cancel{C}+\cancel{D}+E+F\\ \\ OR\\ \\ 2A+B\to E+F\end{array}$

Here C and D are reaction intermediates, that is, species with short life time and they react further to give products.

(b)

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The role of C has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Intermediates are highly reactive, short lived species formed from reactants and react further to give more stable products.