2. 16-2
Kinetics: Rates and Mechanisms of Chemical Reactions
16.1 Factors that influence reaction rates
16.2 Expressing the reaction rate
16.3 The rate law and its components
16.4 Integrated rate laws: Concentration changes over time
16.5 Reaction mechanisms: Steps in the overall reaction
16.6 Catalysis: Speeding up a chemical reaction
3. 16-3
Chemical Kinetics
The study of reaction rates, the changes in concentrations of
reactants (or products) as a function of time
Quantitative relationships through the derivation of a rate law
Kinetics can reveal much about the mechanism of a reaction.
6. 16-6
Factors Influencing Reaction Rates
Reactant Concentration: molecular collisions are required for
reactions to occur
reaction rate a collision frequency a concentration
Physical State: molecules must mix to collide
When reactants are in different phases, the more finely divided
a solid or liquid reactant, the greater the surface area per unit
volume, the more contact it makes with other reactants,
and the faster the reaction.
Temperature: molecules must collide with sufficient energy to react
Higher T translates into more collisions per unit time and
into higher-energy collisions
reaction rate a collision energy a temperature
9. 16-9
Expressing Reaction Rate
reaction rate = the changes in [reactants] or [products] per unit time;
[reactant] decreases, [product] increases
Average rate of reaction = - ([A2] - [A1]) / (t2 - t1)
A B
Measure [A1] at t1, then measure [A2] at t2
= - D[A] / Dt
rate units = mol/L/s
Also, reaction rate = + D[B] / Dt
rate is always
expressed as a
positive value
11. 16-11
Different Ways to Measure Reaction Rates
Reaction rate varies with time as the reaction proceeds!
C2H4(g) + O3(g) C2H4O(g) + O2(g)
average rate = - D[O3] /Dt = - (1.10 x 10-5 mol/L) - (3.20 x 10-5 mol/L)
60.0 s - 0.0 s
Similar calculations over earlier and later time intervals (e.g., 0.0 -10.0 s,
50.0 - 60.0 s) reveals average rates of 7.80 x 10-7 mol/L/s and
1.30 x 10-7 mol/L/s, respectively.
= 3.50 x 10-7 mol/L/s
Data show that the average rate decreases as the
reaction proceeds!
12. 16-12
Figure 16.5
Concentrations of O3 vs
time during its reaction
with C2H4
Curved line indicates change
in reaction rate with time.
The slope of a tangent at any
point on the curve yields the
instantaneous rate at that point.
reaction rate = (instantaneous)
reaction rate
initial rates: measured to avoid
complications due to back
reactions
13. 16-13
Figure 16.6
Plots of [C2H4] and [O2]
vs reaction time
Other Plots to Determine
Reaction Rate
C2H4(g) + O3(g) C2H4O(g) + O2(g)
14. 16-14
Expressing rate in terms of changes in
[reactant] and [product]
H2(g) + I2(g) 2HI(g)
rate = - D[H2]/Dt = - D[I2]/Dt = 1/2 D[HI]/Dt
rate = D[HI]/Dt = -2 D[H2]/Dt = -2 D[I2]/Dt
or
The mathematical expression for the rate, and the numerical value of
the rate, depend on which substance is chosen as the reference.
For the general reaction: aA + bB cC + dD
rate = -1/a D[A]/Dt = -1/b D[B]/Dt = 1/c D[C]/Dt = 1/d D[D]/Dt
15. 16-15
Sample Problem 16.1
PLAN:
SOLUTION:
Expressing rate in terms of changes in
concentration with time
PROBLEM: Because it generates a nonpolluting product (water vapor),
hydrogen gas is used for fuel aboard the space shuttle and may
be used by automobile engines in the near future.
2H2(g) + O2(g) 2H2O(g)
(a) Express the rate in terms of changes in [H2], [O2], and [H2O] with time.
(b) If [O2] decreases at 0.23 mol/L/s, at what rate is [H2O] increasing?
Choose [O2] as the reference since its coefficient is 1. For every
molecule of O2 that disappears, two molecules of H2 disappear and two
molecules of H2O appear, so [O2] decreases at one-half the rates of
change in [H2] and [H2O].
-
1
2
D[H2]
Dt
= -
D[O2]
Dt
= +
D[H2O]
Dt
1
2
0.23 mol/L.s = +
D[H2O]
Dt
1
2
; = 0.46 mol/L.s
D[H2O]
Dt
rate =
(a)
D[O2]
Dt
- =
(b)
16. 16-16
The Rate Law
The rate law expresses the reaction rate as a function of reactant
concentrations, product concentrations, and temperature. It is
experimentally determined.
The derived rate law for a reaction must be consistent
with the postulated chemical mechanism of the reaction!
For a general reaction: aA + bB + ..... cC + dD
rate law: rate = k[A]m[B]n........
k = rate constant
m and n = reaction orders (not related to a, b,...)
(for a unidirectional (one-way) reaction)!
17. 16-17
How is the rate law determined experimentally?
1. Measure initial rates (from concentration measurements)
2. Use initial rates from several experiments to find the reaction orders
3. Calculate the rate constant
The Procedure
18. 16-18
Reaction Order Terminology
rate = k[A] first order overall (rate a [A])
rate = k[A]2 second order overall (rate a [A]2)
rate = k[A]0 = k(1) = k zero order (rate independent of [A])
Examples
NO(g) + O3(g) NO2(g) + O2(g)
rate = k[NO][O3] second order overall
2NO(g) + 2H2(g) N2(g) + 2H2O(g)
rate = k[NO]2[H2]1 third order overall
19. 16-19
Reaction orders are usually positive integers or zero.
Reaction orders can be fractional or negative.
Reaction orders cannot be deduced from the
balanced chemical equation.
Properties of Reaction Orders
20. 16-20
Sample Problem 16.2
SOLUTION:
Determining reaction order from rate laws
PROBLEM: For each of the following reactions, determine the reaction order
with respect to each reactant and the overall reaction order from
the given rate law.
(a) 2NO(g) + O2(g) 2NO2(g); rate = k[NO]2[O2]
(b) CH3CHO(g) CH4(g) + CO(g); rate = k[CH3CHO]3/2
(c) H2O2(aq) + 3I-(aq) + 2H+(aq) I3
-(aq) + 2H2O(l); rate = k[H2O2][I-]
PLAN: Inspect the rate law and not the coefficients in the balanced chemical
reaction.
(a) The reaction is 2nd order in NO, 1st order in O2, and 3rd order overall.
(b) The reaction is 3/2-order in CH3CHO and 3/2-order overall.
(c) The reaction is 1st order in H2O2, 1st order in I- and zero order in H+,
and 2nd order overall.
21. 16-21
Determining Reaction Orders
O2(g) + 2NO(g) 2NO2
rate = k[O2]m[NO]n
To find m and n: A series of experiments is
conducted starting with different sets of reactant
concentrations. The initial reaction rate is measured
in each experiment.
23. 16-23
Manipulating the Data
rate 2 k[O2]2
m[NO]2
n
rate 1 k[O2]1
m[NO]1
n
rate 2 [O2]2
m
rate 1 [O2]1
m
=
= = ([O2]2 / [O1]1)m
6.40 x 10-3 mol/L/s
3.21 x 10-3 mol/L/s
(2.20 x 10-2 mol/L/ 1.10 x 10-2 mol/L)m
=
1.99 = (2.00)m
m = 1
Thus, the reaction is first order with respect to O2.
When [O2] doubles, the rate doubles.
([NO] is held constant)
24. 16-24
rate 3 k[O2]3
m[NO]3
n
rate 1 k[O2]1
m[NO]1
n
= ([O2] is held constant)
via same manipulations as before:
3.99 = (2.00)n
n = 2
Thus, the reaction is second order with respect to NO.
When [NO] doubles, the rate quadruples.
The rate law is: rate = k[O2][NO]2
The reaction is third order overall.
25. 16-25
Sample Problem 16.3
PLAN:
SOLUTION:
Determining reaction order from initial rate data
PROBLEM: Many gaseous reactions occur in a car engine and exhaust
system. One such reaction is as follows:
NO2(g) + CO(g) NO(g) + CO2(g) rate = k[NO2]m[CO]n
Use the following data to determine the individual and overall reaction orders.
experiment initial rate (mol/L.s) initial [NO2] (mol/L) initial [CO] (mol/L)
1
2
3
0.0050
0.080
0.0050
0.10
0.10
0.40
0.10
0.10
0.20
Solve for each reactant using the general rate law by applying the
method described previously.
rate = k [NO2]m[CO]n
First, choose two experiments in which [CO] remains constant and [NO2] varies.
26. 16-26
Sample Problem 16.3 (continued)
0.080
0.0050
rate 2
rate 1
[NO2] 2
[NO2] 1
m
=
k [NO2]m
2[CO]n
2
k [NO2]m
1 [CO]n
1
=
0.40
0.10
=
m
; 16 = 4m and m = 2
k [NO2]m
3[CO]n
3
k [NO2]m
1 [CO]n
1
[CO] 3
[CO] 1
n
=
rate 3
rate 1
=
0.0050
0.0050
=
0.20
0.10
n
; 1 = 2n and n = 0
The reaction is
2nd order in NO2.
The reaction is
zero order in CO.
Rate Law: rate = k [NO2]2[CO]0 = k [NO2]2
The reaction is second order overall.
27. 16-27
Determining the Rate Constant
The rate constant, k, is specific for a particular reaction
at a particular temperature.
k = rate 1 / ([O2]1[NO]1
2)
3.21 x 10-3 mol/L/s
1.86 x 10-6 mol3/L3
= 1.73 x 103 L2/mol2/s = k
The units for k depend on the order of the reaction
and the time unit.
29. 16-29
Integrated Rate Laws: Change in Concentration
with Reaction Time
Consider a general first order reaction: A B
rate = - D[A]/Dt = k[A]
Upon integration over time, we obtain:
ln ([A]0/[A]t) = kt
ln = natural logarithm
[A]0 = concentration of A at t = 0
[A]t = concentration of A at any time t
ln [A]0 - ln [A]t = kt
30. 16-30
For a simple second order reaction (one reactant only):
rate = - D[A]/Dt = k[A]2
Upon integration over time, we obtain:
1/[A]t - 1/[A]0 = kt
For a zero order reaction:
rate = - D[A]/Dt = k[A]0
Upon integration over time, we obtain:
[A]t - [A]0 = -kt
31. 16-31
Sample Problem 16.4
PLAN:
SOLUTION:
Determining reaction concentration at a given time
PROBLEM: At 1000 oC, cyclobutane (C4H8) decomposes in a first-order
reaction with the very high rate constant of 87 s-1 to yield two
molecules of ethylene (C2H4).
(a) If the initial [C4H8] is 2.00 M, what is the concentration after
0.010 s of reaction?
(b) What fraction of C4H8 has decomposed in this time?
Find [C4H8] at time t using the integrated rate law for a 1st-order
reaction. Once that value is found, divide the amount decomposed by
the initial concentration.
; ln
2.00 M
[C4H8]t
= (87 s-1)(0.010 s)
ln
[C4H8]0
[C4H8]t
= kt
(a)
(b) [C4H8]0 - [C4H8]t
[C4H8]0
=
2.00 M - 0.83 M
2.00 M
= 0.58
= 0.87
2.00 M / [C4H8]t = e0.87 = 2.4 [C4H8]t = 0.83 M
32. 16-32
Reaction Order from the Integrated Rate Law
Graphical methods to determine reaction orders
(when you don’t have initial rate data!)
ln [A]t = -kt + ln [A]0
1/[A]t = kt + 1/[A]0
[A]t = -kt + [A]0
first order reaction
simple second order reaction
zero order reaction
All take the form: y = mx + b
Rearranged integrated rate laws:
35. 16-35
For the decomposition of N2O5......
the reaction must be first order in N2O5.
Conclusion
Graphical approach can likewise be applied to reactions
involving multiple reactants.
36. 16-36
Reaction Half-Life
half-life (t1/2) = the time required for the reactant concentration
to reach one-half of its initial value
For a first order reaction at fixed conditions: t1/2 is a constant,
independent of reactant concentration
Just another way to express the speed of a reaction
38. 16-38
Why is t1/2 independent of reactant concentration
for a first order reaction?
ln ([A]0/[A]t) = kt
After one half-life, t = t1/2 and [A]t = 0.5[A]0. Substituting.....
ln ([A]0/0.5([A]0) = kt1/2
or
ln 2 = kt1/2
t1/2 = (ln 2)/k = 0.693/k
first order reaction: A B
39. 16-39
Sample Problem 16.5
PLAN:
SOLUTION:
Determining the half-life of a first-order reaction
PROBLEM: Cyclopropane is the smallest cyclic hydrocarbon. Because its
60o bond angles allow poor orbital overlap, its bonds are weak.
As a result, it is thermally unstable and rearranges to propene at
1000 oC via the following first-order reaction:
CH2
H2C CH2
(g)
D
H3C CH CH2 (g)
The rate constant is 9.2 s-1. (a) What is the half-life of the reaction? (b) How
long does it take for [cyclopropane] to reach one-quarter of its initial value?
Use the half-life equation, t1/2 =
0.693
k
, to find the half-life.
One-quarter of the initial value means two half-lives have passed.
t1/2 = 0.693 / 9.2 s-1 = 0.075 s
(a) 2 t1/2 = 2 (0.075 s) = 0.15 s
(b)
40. 16-40
t1/2 = [A]0/2k
t1/2 = 1/k [A]0
Half-Life for Zero and Second Order Reactions
simple second order (rate = k[A]2)
zero order (rate = k)
As a second order reaction proceeds, the half-life increases.
For zero order reactions, higher initial reactant concentrations
translate into longer half-lives.
42. 16-42
Temperature and Reaction Rate
rate = k[A]
Consider the rate law for a first order reaction:
Where is the temperature dependence?
Answer: It is embodied in the rate constant, k, that is,
k depends on the temperature at which the
reaction is conducted.
What does the T-dependence of k look like?
R-COOR’ + H2O R-COOH + R’OH
ester acid alcohol
organic ester hydrolysis
test
reaction
43. 16-43
Figure 16.10
Dependence of k on temperature for the
hydrolysis of an organic ester
k increases
exponentially!
Note that both
reactant
concentrations are
held constant
44. 16-44
The Arrhenius equation
Quantitative treatment of the effect of
temperature on k
ln k = ln A - Ea/R (1/T)
ln
k2
k1
=
Ea
R
-
1
T2
1
T1
-
k = the kinetic rate constant at T
Ea = the activation energy
R = the universal gas constant
T = Kelvin temperature
A = collision frequency factor
k = Ae -Ea/RT
e = base of natural logarithms
y = b + mx
46. 16-46
More about the Arrhenius Equation
The activation energy = the minimum energy that the molecules
must possess in order for reaction to occur
The negative exponent suggests that, as T increases, the
negative exponent becomes smaller (less negative), the value of k increases,
and thus the reaction rate increases.
higher T larger k increased rate
47. 16-47
Sample Problem 16.6
PLAN:
SOLUTION:
Determining the energy of activation
PROBLEM: The decomposition reaction of hydrogen iodide,
2HI(g) H2(g) + I2(g)
has rate constants of 9.51 x 10-9 L/mol.s at 500. K and 1.10
x 10-5 L/mol.s at 600. K. Find Ea.
Use a modification of the Arrhenius equation to find Ea.
ln
k2
k1
=
Ea
-
R
1
T2
1
T1
- Ea = - R ln
k2
k1
1
T2
1
T1
-
-1
ln
1.10 x 10 -5 L/mol.s
9.51 x 10 -9 L/mol.s
1
600. K
1
500. K
-
Ea = - (8.314 J/mol . K)
Ea = 1.76 x 105 J/mol = 176 kJ/mol
-1
48. 16-48
Figure 16.12
series of plots
of [ ] vs time initial
rates reaction
orders
rate constant
(k) and actual
rate law
integrated
rate law
(half-life,
t1/2)
rate constant
and reaction
order
activation
energy, Ea
Find k at
varied T
Determine slope
of tangent at t0 of
each plot
Compare initial
rates when [A]
changes and [B]
is held constant
and vice versa
Substitute initial rates,
orders, and
concentrations into
general rate law: rate = k
[A]m[B]n
Rearrange to
linear form
and graph
Find k at
varied T
Information Sequence to Determine the
Kinetic Parameters of a Reaction
A + B C + D
49. 16-49
Using Collision Theory to Explain the Effects
of [ ] and T on Reaction Rate
Model: A + B products
Why are [A] and [B] multiplied in the rate law?
Consider several cases where there are a finite number
of particles each of A and B and determine the
number of possible A-B collisions.
50. 16-50
Figure 16.13
A
A
B
B
A
A
B
B
A
4 collisions
Add another
molecule of A 6 collisions
Add another
molecule of B
A
A
B
B
A B
The dependence of possible collisions on the
product of reactant concentrations
9 collisions
2 x 2 = 4
3 x 2 = 6
3 x 3 = 9
51. 16-51
Temperature and Reaction Rate
increased T increased average speed of particles
increased collision frequency increased reaction rate
But,
most collisions fail to yield products!
Significance of activation energy: only those collisions with
energy equal to, or greater than, Ea can yield products.
Increasing T enhances the fraction of productive collisions, f.
f = e-Ea/RT
From this equation, we can see that both Ea and T
affect f, which in turn influences reaction rate.
56. 16-56
Effective Collisions
Not all collisions that occur with energy equal to, or exceeding,
the activation energy lead to products.
Molecular orientation is critical!
k = Ae -Ea/RT
the frequency factor = product of collision
frequency Z and an orientation probability
factor p (A = Zp)
58. 16-58
Transition State Theory
Addresses the limitations of collision theory in explaining
chemical reactivity
Key principle: During the transformation of reactant into
product, one or more very short-lived chemical species
form that resemble (but are different from) reactant or product;
these transitional species contain partial bonds; they are called
transition states (TS) or activated complexes.
The activation energy is used to stretch/deform specific bonds
in the reactant(s) in order to reach the transition state.
Example reaction:
CH3Br + OH- CH3OH + Br-
What might the TS look like for this substitution reaction?
59. 16-59
Figure 16.18
The proposed transition state in the reaction
between CH3Br and OH-
The TS is trigonal bipyramidal; note the elongated C-Br
and C-O bonds
60. 16-60
Reaction Energy Diagrams
Shows the potential energy of the system during a
chemical reaction
(a plot of potential energy vs reaction progress)
62. 16-62
General Principles of TS Theory
Every reaction (and each step in an overall reaction) goes
through its own TS.
All reactions are reversible.
Transition states are identical for the individual forward and reverse
reactions in an equilibrium reaction.
63. 16-63
Reaction progress
Potential
Energy
Sample Problem 16.7
SOLUTION:
Drawing reaction energy diagrams
and transition states
PROBLEM: A key reaction in the upper atmosphere is
O3(g) + O(g) 2O2(g)
The Ea(fwd) is 19 kJ, and DHrxn for the reaction is -392 kJ. Draw a reaction
energy diagram for this reaction, postulate a transition state, and calculate
Ea(rev).
PLAN: Consider relationships between reactants, products and transition state.
The reactants are at a higher energy level than the products, and the
transition state is slightly higher in energy than the reactants.
O3+O
2O2
transition state
Ea= 19 kJ
DHrxn = -392 kJ
Ea(rev) = (392 + 19) kJ =
411 kJ
O
O
O
O
breaking
bond
forming
bond
65. 16-65
Reaction Mechanisms
The Specific Steps in an Overall Reaction
How a reaction works at the molecular level
2A + B E + F
A + B C
C + A D
D E + F
possible
steps
C and D are reaction intermediates.
Mechanisms of reactions are proposed and then tested.
All postulated steps must sum to yield the chemical equation for the overall reaction.
66. 16-66
Elementary Reactions and Molecularity
individual steps = elementary reactions (or steps)
Elementary steps are characterized by their molecularity.
molecularity = number of reactant particles involved in the step
2O3(g) 3O2(g)
O3(g) O2(g) + O(g)
O3(g) + O(g) 2O2(g)
unimolecular
bimolecular
Termolecular elementary steps are rare!
The rate law for an elementary reaction can be deduced
from the reaction stoichiometry; equation coefficients are
used as the reaction orders.
68. 16-68
Sample Problem 16.8
PLAN:
SOLUTION:
Determining molecularity and rate laws for
elementary steps
PROBLEM: The following two reactions are proposed as elementary steps in
the mechanism of an overall reaction:
(1) NO2Cl(g) NO2(g) + Cl (g)
(2) NO2Cl(g) + Cl(g) NO2(g) + Cl2(g)
(a) Write the overall balanced equation.
(b) Determine the molecularity of each step.
(a) The overall equation is the sum of the steps.
(b) The molecularity is the sum of the reactant particles in the step.
2NO2Cl(g) 2NO2(g) + Cl2(g)
(c) Write the rate law for each step.
rate2 = k2 [NO2Cl][Cl]
(1) NO2Cl(g) NO2(g) + Cl (g)
(2) NO2Cl(g) + Cl (g) NO2(g) + Cl2(g)
(a)
Step (1) is unimolecular.
Step (2) is bimolecular.
(b)
rate1 = k1 [NO2Cl]
(c)
69. 16-69
The overall rate of a reaction is related to the rate of
the rate-determining step. That is, the rate law for
the rate-determining step represents the rate law for
the overall reaction!
The Rate-Determining Step of a Reaction Mechanism
All of the elementary steps of a mechanism do
not occur at the same rate. Usually one step is
much slower than the others. This step is called the
rate-determining (or rate-limiting) step.
70. 16-70
An example:
NO2(g) + CO(g) NO(g) + CO2(g) rate = k[NO2]m[CO]n
Rate law: rate = k[NO2]2
Step 1: NO2(g) + NO2 (g) NO3(g) + NO(g)
Step 2: NO3(g) + CO(g) NO2(g) + CO2(g)
Step 1 is slow and rate-determining; Step 2 is fast.
NO3 is an intermediate!
Rate1 = k1[NO2]2
Rate2 = k2[NO3][CO]
Thus, if k1 = k, the rate law for Step 1 (rate-determining) is the
same as the experimental rate law!
71. 16-71
Correlating the Mechanism with the Rate Law
1. The elementary steps must add up to the overall equation.
2. The elementary steps must be physically reasonable.
3. The mechanism must correlate with the rate law.
Chemical mechanisms can never be proven
unequivocally! But potential chemical mechanisms
can be eliminated based on experimental data.
Three Key Criteria for Elementary Steps
73. 16-73
What happens when a fast reversible step(s) occurs prior to the
rate-determining step?
2NO(g) + O2(g) 2NO2 (g)
Rate law: rate = k[NO]2[O2]
Step 1: NO(g) + O2(g) NO3(g) fast and reversible
Step 2: NO3(g) + NO(g) 2NO2(g) slow; rate-determining
Proposed Mechanism
Rate laws for the two elementary steps:
Step 1: rate1 (fwd) = k1[NO][O2]; rate1 (rev) = k-1[NO3]
Step 2: rate2 = k2[NO3][NO]
Step 2 (rate-determining) contains [NO3] which does
not appear in the experimental rate law!
74. 16-74
If Step 1 is at equilibrium, then....
rate1 (fwd) = rate1 (rev)
k1[NO][O2] = k-1[NO3]
or
Solving for [NO3]:
[NO3] = (k1/k-1)[NO][O2]
Substituting into the rate law for rate-limiting Step 2:
rate2 = k2[NO3][NO] = k2 (k1/k-1)[NO][O2][NO] = [(k1k2)/k-1][NO]2[O2]
Conclusion: The proposed mechanism is consistent
with the kinetic data.
75. 16-75
Catalysis: Enhancing Reaction Rates
Catalyst: increases reaction rate but is not consumed in the reaction
A catalyst increases reaction rate (via increasing k) by lowering the
activation energy (barrier) of the reaction.
Both forward and reverse reactions are catalyzed; reaction
thermodynamics is unaffected!
The catalyzed reaction proceeds via a different mechanism
than the uncatalyzed reaction.
77. 16-77
Uncatalyzed reaction:
A + B product
Catalyzed reaction:
A + catalyst C
C + B product + catalyst
Types of Catalysts
Homogeneous: exists in solution with the reaction mixture
Heterogeneous: catalyst and reaction mixture are in different phases
79. 16-79
R-COOR’ + H2O + H+ R-COOH + R’OH + H+
ester acid alcohol
The Mechanism of Acid-catalyzed
Organic Ester Hydrolysis
The reaction rate is slow at neutral pH (pH 7.0), but
increases significantly at acidic pH (pH 2).
H+ ion catalyzes the reaction at low pH; what is the
molecular basis for the catalysis by H+?
Homogeneous Catalysis