For a first order reaction: ln(C/Co) = -kt where C os the ethanol concentration at time t, Co is initial concentration and k is rate constant. ln(5.0/15.0) = -k x 2.5 x 104 Rate constant k = 4.4 x 10-5 s-1 Solution For a first order reaction: ln(C/Co) = -kt where C os the ethanol concentration at time t, Co is initial concentration and k is rate constant. ln(5.0/15.0) = -k x 2.5 x 104 Rate constant k = 4.4 x 10-5 s-1.