Chapter 16.4, Problem 36SSC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The terms reaction mechanism and an intermediate needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Chemical kinetic is the branch of chemistry that deals with kinetic or rate of a chemical reaction. The rate of reaction can be defined as the change in the concentration of reactant and product with time. The rate of reaction mainly depends on the activation energy.

Answer to Problem 36SSC

The reaction sequence of a multi-step reaction which defines the complete conversion reactant to product molecules is called as reaction mechanism. The active species which are formed during reaction mechanism and are readily converted to product are called as intermediate.

Explanation of Solution

A reaction can be completed in single step or multi-step. A multi-step reaction has more than one step and the final step results the formation of product.

The reaction sequence of a multi-step reaction which defines the complete conversion reactant to product molecules is called as reaction mechanism. Each step of reaction mechanism is called as elementary steps.

The active species which are formed during reaction mechanism and are readily converted to product are called as intermediate. Carbocation, carbanion, free radical and carbine are some common examples of reaction intermediate.

Conclusion

The reaction mechanism shows the conversion of reactant to product through the formation of intermediate.