In: Chemistry
2 NO(g) + Cl2(g) --> 2 NOCl (g)
Two proposed mechanisms for the reaction are given below. Which is the better mechanism? Explain both why the better mechanism is better and why the worse mechanism is worse.
Mechanism 1 Mechanism 2
NO + Cl2 --> NOCl + Cl Cl2 --> Cl + Cl
NO + Cl --> NOCl NO + Cl --> NOCl
NO + Cl2 --> NOCl + Cl
For the correct mechanism, identify:
a. the rate-limiting step
b. any intermediates
c. any catalysts
Mechanism 1
NO + Cl2 --> NOCl + Cl SLow step slow step is rate determining step
NO + Cl --> NOCl fast step
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2 NO(g) + Cl2(g) --> 2 NOCl (g) over all reaction
NO + Cl2 --> NOCl + Cl SLow step slow step is rate determining step of rate limiting step
b. any intermediates . Cl is intermediate
c. no catalyst