Chapter 9, Problem 9.73P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Based on the information provided it is to be argued whether a Finkelstein reaction is reversible or irreversible.

Concept introduction:

The reactions in which the reactants react with each other to form products, the products are reacting with each other to form reactants are reversible reactions. Thus, for a reaction to be reversible, the rate of forward and reverse reaction is same. The reactions in which, the reactants react with each other to form products, but products do not react with each other and do not form reactants are irreversible reactions. For a reaction to be irreversible, the forward reaction occurs way much faster than the reverse reaction so that the reverse reaction becomes insignificant.

Concentration of the reactants and products play decide whether the reaction is reversible or not. For a reversible reaction, the concentration of both reactants and products must be comparable. If the concentration of products is negligible then the reaction does not occur in reverse direction and is irreversible.