11. Reaction Mechanism

Question 1

What is the Pseudo Steady-state Hypothesis and how can it be use to determine the rate of reaction?

Answer 1

PSSH: Net rate of reaction of active intermediates are approximately zero
Can be used to simplify reaction rate equation to find concentration of active intermediates in terms of other concentrations (which could be measured more easily)

Question 2

What are the steps of chain reactions?

Answer 2

1) Initiation
2) Propagation
3) Termination

i) Branching
ii) Inhibition step

Question 3

Why can we assume PSSH?

Answer 3

Because active intermediates are present in very small concentrations (r = k1[Active int] = 0). This is because they are very reactive and react as soon as they are formed