Nitrogen dioxide, NO₂ will react with carbon monoxide, CO, to form nitric oxide, NO, and carbon dioxide, CO₂. A proposed mechanism is:
2NO₂ $\rarr$ NO₃ + NO
NO₃ + CO $\rarr$ NO₂ + CO₂
Experiments indicate that the rate of the reaction is independent of the CO concentration. Identify the rate determining step and derive the rate law consistent with the mechanism and experimental observation.

Question

Nitrogen dioxide, NO₂ will react with carbon monoxide, CO, to form nitric oxide, NO, and carbon dioxide, CO₂. A proposed mechanism is:
2NO₂

\rarr

NO₃ + NO
NO₃ + CO

\rarr

NO₂ + CO₂
Experiments indicate that the rate of the reaction is independent of the CO concentration. Identify the rate determining step and derive the rate law consistent with the mechanism and experimental observation.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since rate is independent of CO concentration, the second step must be fast and the first slow; rate law is determined from the first step.

Nitrogen Dioxide, NO2 Will React with Carbon Monoxide, CO, to Form

Nitrogen Dioxide, NO₂ Will React with Carbon Monoxide, CO, to Form