Chapter 16.4, Problem 34SSC

Solution

Interpretation : An elementary chemical reaction with a complex chemical reaction is to be compared and contrasted.

Concept Introduction : An elementary chemical reaction is one in which the reactants become the products right away. Any reaction with two or more simple steps is considered a complex reaction.

The elementary reactions are single-step reactions while the complex reactions are multiple-step reactions.

The elementary reactions are different from that the complex reactions.

An elementary reaction is a reaction where only one step is involved.

There are no intermediates formed for such reactions.

This type of reaction undergoes a single transition state.

Eg: $\text{A}\to \text{B}$

Where A is the reactant and B is the product.

A complex reaction is a reaction where multiple steps are involved.

Intermediates are formed between the reactants and products.

They undergo many transition states.

Eg: $\begin{array}{l}\text{A}\to \text{B}\\ \text{B}\to \text{C}\end{array}$

Where A is the reactant, B is the intermediate and C is the product.