Chapter 18.2, Problem 14LC

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The definition for elementary reaction and its relation with the reaction mechanism should be stated.

Concept Introduction: The chemical reaction is defined as the process in which the reactants are converted to products via the rearrangement of atoms and molecules.

Answer to Problem 14LC

An elementary reaction is a reaction in which products are formed from reactants in a single step. The series of elementary reactions gives a reaction mechanism.

Explanation of Solution

A reaction is said to be elementary when the reactants are converted to products in a single step. Most chemical reactions consist of two or more elementary reactions.

A reaction mechanism consists of a series of steps that occurs during a complex reaction. The steps going on during a reaction mechanism are individually the elementary reactions. Thus, in this way, the elementary reaction is related to the reaction mechanism.