Interpretation:
The reaction energy diagrams for the overall decomposition of nitryl chloride needs to be compared with the mechanism in previous problem.
Concept introduction:
Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy needed by interacting particles to form the activated complex and result in a reaction. It is denoted by
Answer to Problem 80A
The peak of the reaction would occur during the activated complex when step 1 is slower than step 2. If step 2 is slower than step 1 then the peak is located higher than step 1.
Explanation of Solution
Two-step mechanisms which decompose the reactant
Consider if step 1 is slower than step 2. Since step 1 is slower that means that the activation energy is greater than that of step 2. In the energy diagram, the peak in the reaction would occur during the activated complex of step 1.
Consider if step 2 is slower than step 1. Therefore, the activation energy is greater and thus the peak is located higher than the peak for step 1 for the associated complexes.
In either case, however, the energy of the product is lower than both the reactants and the activated complex.
Activated complex, sometimes called a transition state, is a temporary, unstable arrangement of atoms in which old bonds are breaking and new bonds are forming.
Chapter 16 Solutions
Chemistry: Matter and Change
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Organic Chemistry (9th Edition)
Chemistry: Structure and Properties
Chemistry: A Molecular Approach
General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (3rd Edition)
Chemistry: Structure and Properties (2nd Edition)
Organic Chemistry (8th Edition)
- ChemistryChemistryISBN:9781305957404Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCostePublisher:Cengage LearningChemistryChemistryISBN:9781259911156Author:Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby ProfessorPublisher:McGraw-Hill EducationPrinciples of Instrumental AnalysisChemistryISBN:9781305577213Author:Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. CrouchPublisher:Cengage Learning
- Organic ChemistryChemistryISBN:9780078021558Author:Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.Publisher:McGraw-Hill EducationChemistry: Principles and ReactionsChemistryISBN:9781305079373Author:William L. Masterton, Cecile N. HurleyPublisher:Cengage LearningElementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind...ChemistryISBN:9781118431221Author:Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. BullardPublisher:WILEY