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Ch.14 - Chemical Kinetics
Chapter 14, Problem 78b

Consider this two-step mechanism for a reaction: NO2(g) + Cl2(g) → k1 ClNO2(g) + Cl g) Slow NO2(g) + Cl(g) →k2 ClNO2(g) Fast b. Identify the intermediates in the mechanism.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Reaction Mechanism

A reaction mechanism is a step-by-step description of the pathway taken by reactants to form products in a chemical reaction. It outlines the individual elementary steps, including the sequence of bond breaking and forming, and helps in understanding the overall reaction kinetics and dynamics.
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Intermediates

Intermediates are species that are formed during the reaction mechanism but are not present in the final products. They are typically unstable and exist only transiently, playing a crucial role in the progression of the reaction from reactants to products.
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Rate-Determining Step

The rate-determining step is the slowest step in a reaction mechanism, which limits the overall reaction rate. Understanding which step is rate-determining helps in predicting how changes in concentration or conditions will affect the speed of the reaction.
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