Question

Identify the catalyst in each equation.

a.

b.

Short answer

Answer

1. The catalyst in the given reaction is${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$.
2. The catalyst in the given reaction is ${}_{}{}^{-}{\mathrm{I}}^{}$.

Step-by-step solution

Step-by-Step SolutionStep 1: Catalyst

The substance used to increase the rate of a reaction without itself undergoing a chemical reaction is named a catalyst.

Catalyst in reaction a

Reaction a

The ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$molecule is participating in the chemical reaction as it gets dissociated into H and OH and gets added to the carbon atoms of the alkene.

Therefore, the species that do not participate in the reaction is ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$and hence ${\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{SO}}_4$acts as the catalyst.

Catalyst in reaction b

Reaction b

In the given reaction, it is clearly observable that the hydroxide ion $\left({}_{}{}^{-}\mathrm{OH}\right)$is involved in the reaction.

The ${}_{}{}^{-}\mathrm{OH}$ion replaces Cl from ${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{Cl}$.

Therefore, the catalyst in the given reaction is${}_{}{}^{-}\mathrm{I}$.