Question

In a study of the reaction

2 N₂O(g) ⇄ 2 N₂(g) + O₂(g)

quantities of all three gases were injected into a reaction vessel. The N2O consisted entirely of isotopically labeled 15N2O. Analysis of the reaction mixture after 1 day revealed the presence of compounds with molar masses 28, 29, 30, 32, 44, 45, and 46 g/mol. Identify the compounds and account for their presence.

Answer 1

The compounds present in the reaction mixture are N₂, NO, N₂O, O₂, 2N₂ + O₂, N₂O + 2NO, and 2NO + O₂.

Step-by-step explanation:

The compounds with molar masses 28, 29, 30, 32, 44, 45, and 46 g/mol that are present in the reaction mixture after 1 day are:

• 28 g/mol: N₂
• 29 g/mol: NO
• 30 g/mol: N₂O
• 32 g/mol: O₂
• 44 g/mol: 2N₂ + O₂
• 45 g/mol: N₂O + 2NO
• 46 g/mol: 2NO + O₂

These compounds are the result of different combinations and rearrangements of the reactants N₂O, N₂, and O₂.