Class 5

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Rate-Determining Steps and Quasi-Equilibrium

Class 5 examines the generation of a mechanistic rate expression from a mechanism involving a rate-determining step. The concept and consequences of quasi-equilibrated mechanistic steps are explained.

Learning Outcomes

After completing Class 5 you should…

  • Know
    • the definition of a rate-determining step
    • the defining equations for the apparent net rate of a non-elementary reaction in terms of the rate of the rate-determining step in its mechanism and quasi-equilibrium
  • Understand
    • some mechanisms do not have a rate-determining step
    • when one step in a reaction mechanism is rate-determining, all other steps are quasi-equilibrated
  • Be able to
    • generate a mechanistic rate expression from a mechanism that includes a rate-determining step
    • eliminate concentrations of reactive intermediates from mechanistic rate expressions using quasi-equilibrium expressions, when appropriate

Prepare

  • Read Sections 4.4 and Example 4.8.2 from Chapter 4 of REB, The Book
  • Watch the Class 5 Preparation Video

Participate

to be added

Practice

to be added

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