Project ForgeThe gas phase decomposition of azomethane to give ethane and nitrogen takes place via the Lindemann-type sequence: (CH3)2N2+(CH3)2N2 →k1 (CH3)2N2+[(CH3)2N2]*; [(CH3)2N2]*+(CH3)2N2 →k2 (CH3)2N2+(CH3)2N2; [(CH3)2N2]* →k3 C2H6+N2. Using the pseudo-steady-state-approximation for [(CH3)2N2]*, the order with respect to azomethane in the rate expression for the formation of ethane, in the limit of high concentrations of azomethane, is _____
Explanation
PSSA on the intermediate: k1[A]²=k2[A*][A]+k3[A*] ⟹ [A*]=k1[A]²/(k2[A]+k3). Rate=k3[A*]=k1k3[A]²/(k2[A]+k3). At high [A], k2[A]≫k3, so Rate≈(k1k3/k2)[A] — first order in azomethane, the classic Lindemann high-pressure limit.
Source: GATE CH 2013 (2013)
This question is part of a 15-day revision cycle — sign in and Project Forge will bring it back the day before you'd forget it.