At 450°C, tert-butyl alcohol decomposes into water and isobutene. (CH₃) ₃COH(g) (CH₃) ₂CCH₂(g) + H₂O(g)
A reaction vessel contains these compounds at equilibrium. What will happen if the volume of the container is reduced by 50% at constant temperature?

Question

At 450°C, tert-butyl alcohol decomposes into water and isobutene. (CH₃) ₃COH(g)

At 450°C, tert-butyl alcohol decomposes into water and isobutene. (CH<sub>3</sub>) <sub>3</sub>COH(g) (CH<sub>3</sub>) <sub>2</sub>CCH<sub>2</sub>(g) + H<sub>2</sub>O(g) A reaction vessel contains these compounds at equilibrium. What will happen if the volume of the container is reduced by 50% at constant temperature? A) The forward reaction will proceed to reestablish equilibrium. B) The reverse reaction will proceed to reestablish equilibrium. C) No change occurs. D) The equilibrium constant will increase. E) The equilibrium constant will decrease.

(CH₃) ₂CCH₂(g) + H₂O(g)
A reaction vessel contains these compounds at equilibrium. What will happen if the volume of the container is reduced by 50% at constant temperature?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the volume of the container is reduced, the concentration of all the compounds involved in the reaction increases. According to Le Chatelier's principle, the system will shift in the direction that consumes some of the excess concentration. In this case, the reverse reaction consumes the excess concentration of isobutene and water, so the reverse reaction will proceed to reestablish equilibrium. Therefore, the answer is choice B.

At 450°C, Tert-Butyl Alcohol Decomposes into Water and Isobutene