The reaction NO₂(g) + CO(g) $\rightarrow$ NO(g) + CO₂(g) is thought to occur by the following mechanism:
Step 1: NO₂(g) + NO₂(g) $\rightarrow$ NO₃(g) + NO(g)
Step 2: NO₃(g) + CO(g) $\rightarrow$ NO₂(g) + CO₂(g)
Which of the following species is an intermediate?

Question

The reaction NO₂(g) + CO(g)

\rightarrow

NO(g) + CO₂(g) is thought to occur by the following mechanism:
Step 1: NO₂(g) + NO₂(g)

\rightarrow

NO₃(g) + NO(g)
Step 2: NO₃(g) + CO(g)

\rightarrow

NO₂(g) + CO₂(g)
Which of the following species is an intermediate?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

NO₃ is an intermediate because it is formed in the first step and consumed in the second step, without being seen in the overall reaction equation. NO and CO₂ are both reactants and products, respectively, and do not fit the definition of intermediates.

The Reaction NO2(g) + CO(g) →\rightarrow→ NO(g) + CO2(g) Is Thought to Occur by the Following

The Reaction NO₂(g) + CO(g) $\rightarrow$ NO(g) + CO₂(g) Is Thought to Occur by the Following