Question

What is the reaction order for the decomposition of p-toluenesulfinic acid? 3 CH₃c6h4SO₂h(aq) → (CH₃c6h4)2SO₂s(aq) CH₃c6h4SO₃h(aq) H₂O(l)?

1) zero
2) one
3) two
4) three
5) we cannot tell from this information alone

Answer 1

The reaction order of the decomposition of p-toluene sulfonic acid cannot be deduced from the provided chemical equation alone; experimental kinetics data is necessary to ascertain the reaction order.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction order for the decomposition of p-toluenesulfinic acid cannot be determined from the equation alone, which is 3 CH₃C₆H₄SO₂H(aq) → (CH₃C₆H₄)₂SO₂(s) + CH₃C₆H₄SO₃H(aq) + H₂O(l).

To determine the reaction order, information about the reaction kinetics, such as the rate law and concentration-time data, is required. This could involve experiments to monitor the concentration of reactants or products over time and analyze the rate at which the reaction proceeds.