Chemistry

Problem

An aqueous reaction has overall stoichiometry

A + 2B \rightarrow \text{products}

and an experimentally determined rate law of

rate = k[A][B]^2

. Which of the following mechanisms is most consistent with the rate law? a) Step 1 (slow):

A + 2B \rightarrow \text{products}

b) Step 1 (slow):

2B \rightarrow D

\ Step 2 (fast):

D + A \rightarrow \text{products}

c) Step 1 (fast):

B + B \rightleftharpoons D

\ Step 2 (slow):

D + A \rightarrow \text{products}

d) Step 1 (slow):

A + B \rightarrow C

\ Step 2 (fast):

C + B \rightarrow \text{products}