In a reaction mechanism, what is an elementary step? Write down the three most common elementary

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In a reaction mechanism, what is an elementary step? Write...

Key Concepts

Elementary Step

An elementary step is a single, indivisible reaction event within a reaction mechanism in which reactants convert to products according to a specific molecular collision or reorganization. In these steps, the reaction proceeds in one mechanistic event, and the rate law can be directly deduced by examining the molecularity of the reaction.

Unimolecular Reaction

A unimolecular reaction involves a single reactant molecule undergoing a transformation, such as rearrangement or decomposition, to yield products. Because only one molecule is involved, the rate law is first order, meaning the rate is directly proportional to the concentration of that one species.

Bimolecular Reaction

A bimolecular reaction occurs when two reactant molecules collide and react to form products. In this type of reaction, the rate law is second order, being directly proportional to the product of the concentrations of the two reactants. This provides a straightforward link between the molecular collision process and the overall rate of reaction.

Termolecular Reaction

A termolecular reaction involves the simultaneous collision of three reactant molecules to form the product(s). The rate law for such reactions is third order, as the rate depends on the product of the concentrations of the three molecules. Termolecular reactions are rare due to the low probability of three molecules colliding simultaneously with the correct orientation and sufficient energy.

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