The reaction between ethyl iodide and hydroxide ion in ethanol 1C2H5OH2 solution, C2H5I1alc2 + OH- 1alc2 ¡ C2H5OH1l2 + I - 1alc2, has an activation energy of 86.8 kJ>mol and a frequency factor of 2.10 * 1011 M-1 s-1. (c) Which reagent in the reaction is limiting, assuming the reaction proceeds to completion?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: The limiting reagent in a chemical reaction is the reactant that is completely consumed first and determines when the reaction stops. In order to determine the limiting reagent, we need to know the initial amounts of the reactants.
2. Step 2: However, in this problem, no information is given about the initial amounts of the reactants (ethyl iodide and hydroxide ion). Therefore, we cannot determine which reagent is limiting based on the information provided.
3. Step 3: If the initial amounts of the reactants were provided, you would compare the number of moles of each reactant. This is done by dividing the initial amount of each reactant by its stoichiometric coefficient in the balanced chemical equation.
4. Step 4: The reactant that has the smallest value from this calculation is the limiting reagent, as it will be consumed first during the reaction.
5. Step 5: Remember, the limiting reagent determines the maximum amount of product that can be formed. Once the limiting reagent is used up, the reaction cannot proceed any further.

Key Concepts

Limiting Reagent

The limiting reagent in a chemical reaction is the reactant that is completely consumed first, thus determining the maximum amount of product that can be formed. To identify the limiting reagent, one must compare the mole ratios of the reactants based on the balanced chemical equation and the initial amounts of each reactant present.

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions based on the conservation of mass. It involves using the coefficients from a balanced chemical equation to determine the relationships between the quantities of reactants and products, allowing for the prediction of how much of each substance will be consumed or produced.

Activation Energy

Activation energy is the minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. It represents the energy barrier that must be overcome for reactants to transform into products. While it does not directly affect which reagent is limiting, understanding activation energy can provide insight into the reaction's rate and feasibility.