Rate Law and Mechanism Consistency
Consider the proposed two-step mechanism for a reaction:
Step 1: A + B → C + D (slow)
Step 2: D + E → F (fast)
The experimentally determined rate law is Rate = k[A][B][E]⁻¹. Which of the following statements best explains this discrepancy?
A
The inverse dependence on [E] indicates a pre-equilibrium
B
The proposed mechanism is incorrect
C
The second step must actually be rate-limiting
D
E must be a catalyst in the first step
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