Consider the decomposition of liquid benzene, C₆H₆(l), to gaseous acetylene, C₂H₂(g): C₆H₆(l) → 3 C2H₂(g) ΔH = +630 kJ (c) Which is more likely to be thermodynamically favored, the forward reaction or the reverse reaction?

Key Concepts

Thermodynamics and Reaction Favorability

Thermodynamics is the study of energy transformations, particularly how energy changes influence the direction of chemical reactions. A reaction is thermodynamically favored if it leads to a decrease in free energy, typically indicated by a negative change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG). In this context, the forward reaction's positive enthalpy change (ΔH = +630 kJ) suggests it absorbs heat, which may affect its favorability.

Enthalpy and Reaction Energy

Enthalpy (H) is a measure of the total energy of a thermodynamic system, including internal energy and the energy required to make room for it by displacing its environment. A positive ΔH indicates that the reaction is endothermic, meaning it requires energy input. Understanding the enthalpy change helps predict whether a reaction will proceed spontaneously under given conditions.

Entropy and Disorder

Entropy (S) is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. In chemical reactions, an increase in the number of gas molecules typically leads to an increase in entropy, which can favor the reaction despite a positive enthalpy change. In this case, the decomposition of liquid benzene into gaseous acetylene increases the number of gas molecules, potentially making the forward reaction more favorable from an entropy perspective.