The mechanism for the first-order reaction 2H₂O₂(aq) $\rightarrow$2H₂O( ) + O₂ in the presence of I^-(aq) is proposed to be Step 1: H₂O₂(aq) + I^-(aq) $\rightarrow$ H₂O( ) + OI^-(aq) (slow) Step 2: H₂O₂(aq) + OI^-(aq) $\rightarrow$H₂O( ) + O₂(g) + I^-(aq) (fast) Identify the catalyst in the reaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The catalyst is a substance that speeds up the rate of a reaction without being consumed. In this mechanism, I^-(aq) appears in the first step as a reactant and in the second step as a product. Therefore, it is not consumed in the reaction, and it increases the rate of the reaction without being used up. Therefore, I^- is the catalyst in this reaction.

The Mechanism for the First-Order Reaction 2H2O2(aq) →\rightarrow→ 2H2O( ) + O2 in the Presence of I-(aq)

The Mechanism for the First-Order Reaction 2H₂O₂(aq) $\rightarrow$ 2H₂O( ) + O₂ in the Presence of I^-(aq)