Chemistry

Problem

A reaction between A and B is carried out in the presence of the catalyst M. Kinetic studies give the rate law

\text{rate} = k[A]^2[B]

; no term involving [M] is detected. Which mechanism is most consistent with these observations? a) Step 1 (slow):

A + A + M \rightarrow \text{products} + M

b) Step 1 (slow):

A + M \rightarrow AM

\Step 2 (fast):

AM + A + B \rightarrow \text{products} + M

c) Step 1 (slow):

A + A + B \rightarrow \text{products}

d) Step 1 (fast):

A + M \rightleftharpoons AM

\Step 2 (slow):

AM + B \rightarrow \text{products} + M