(c) Which step is the fastest?

Key Concepts

Reaction Rate

The reaction rate refers to the speed at which reactants are converted into products in a chemical reaction. It is influenced by various factors, including concentration, temperature, and the presence of catalysts. Understanding reaction rates is crucial for determining which step in a multi-step reaction mechanism is the fastest.

Rate-Determining Step

The rate-determining step is the slowest step in a reaction mechanism that dictates the overall rate of the reaction. Identifying this step is essential for understanding the kinetics of the reaction, as it often involves the highest energy transition state and thus takes the longest time to occur compared to other steps.

Transition State Theory

Transition state theory posits that during a chemical reaction, reactants pass through a high-energy transition state before forming products. This theory helps explain the energy barriers that must be overcome for a reaction to proceed, and it is fundamental in analyzing which step in a reaction mechanism is the fastest based on the energy profiles of the involved steps.