Example 9
The following reaction occurs in a two-step mechanism:
A → B + C (slow)
A + C → B + D (fast)
1. Determine the overall reaction equation.
2. Write the rate law for the overall reaction.
Solution
1. Add the two elementary steps together and cancel out any intermediates to give the overall reaction: 2 A → 2 B + D
2. Rate = k[A]2
