Final answer:
The reaction 2NO₂ + F₂ → 2NO₂F is consistent with an addition reaction mechanism where the F₂ molecule is directly added to each NO₂ molecule to form NO₂F.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reaction Mechanism Consistency with Overall Reaction
The overall reaction given is 2NO₂ + F₂ → 2NO₂F. To determine which reaction mechanism is consistent with this reaction, one must analyze both the reactants and products. The reactants are nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fluorine (F₂), and the product is nitryl fluoride (NO₂F). In this reaction, a fluorine molecule (F₂) is being added to each nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) molecule to form nitryl fluoride (NO₂F). Therefore, the reaction would be an addition reaction, as it involves the direct addition of a molecule across a double bond.
Given that NO₂ and F₂ are both diatomic molecules, it cannot be a substitution reaction because no atoms or groups are being replaced. It is also not an elimination reaction as no small molecules are being removed to form a double bond or ring structure. Lastly, while there is a change in oxidation states indicating a redox reaction, the mechanism question implies the focus is on the structural changes occurring and not just the electron transfer. Therefore, the best choice for the type of reaction mechanism consistent with the overall reaction 2NO₂ + F₂ → 2NO₂F is an addition reaction (Option B).