Chemistry

Chemistry

Problem

The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide can proceed through the following two-step pathway: Step 1: Cl−+H2O2→HOCl+OH−\mathrm{Cl^- + H_2O_2 \rightarrow HOCl + OH^-} Step 2: HOCl+H2O2→Cl−+H2O+O2\mathrm{HOCl + H_2O_2 \rightarrow Cl^- + H_2O + O_2} Which species functions as a catalyst in this reaction mechanism? a) HOCl\mathrm{HOCl} b) Cl−\mathrm{Cl^-} c) OH−\mathrm{OH^-} d) H2O2\mathrm{H_2O_2}
Intuitive explanation

In a reaction mechanism, a catalyst appears in an early step but is regenerated by the end, so it speeds up the reaction without being consumed overall. Add the two steps together and cancel anything that appears on both sides—what's left is the net reaction. The species that vanishes during cancellation is your catalyst; it was essential for the pathway but doesn't show up in the final equation.

Intuitive explanation

In a reaction mechanism, a catalyst appears in an early step but is regenerated by the end, so it speeds up the reaction without being consumed overall. Add the two steps together and cancel anything that appears on both sides—what's left is the net reaction. The species that vanishes during cancellation is your catalyst; it was essential for the pathway but doesn't show up in the final equation.

Browse the problem library