Question

Draw an energy diagram for a two-step reaction, $\mathbf{A}\mathbf{\to }\mathbf{B}\mathbf{\to }\mathbf{C}$, where the relative energy of these compounds is $\mathbf{C}\mathbf{<}\mathbf{A}\mathbf{<}\mathbf{B}$, and the conversion of $\mathbf{B}\mathbf{\to }\mathbf{C}$is rate-determining.

Short answer

Answer

The energy diagram is as follows:

Step-by-step solution

Step-by-Step SolutionStep 1: Energy diagram

An energy diagram (energy vs. reaction coordinate) is used to describe the change in energy of a system during the conversion of the reactants to the products.

Rate determining step

The step (in a chemical reaction) that takes the maximum time in the conversion of the reactants to products is termed the rate-determining step.

The rate-determining step has the maximum activation energy barrier.

Energy diagram of the given reaction

The reaction involves the transformation of the reactant A to product C through an intermediate B.

Species C has the lowest energy, and B has the highest energy.

Since it is given that the conversion of B to C is the rate-determining step, the activation energy barrier between B and C will be the maximum.

Energy diagram of a two-step reaction