Question

A mechanism for the gas phase reaction of fluorine with chlorine dioxide that is consistent with the observed rate law is:

step 1 slow: F2 + ClO2 -----> FClO2 + F
step 2 fast: F ----> ClO2 + FClO2

What is the equation for the overall reaction?

Answer 1

Answer : The equation for the overall reaction is:

`F_2+2ClO_2\rightarrow 2FClO_2`

Explanation :

The given chemical reactions are:

Step 1 : (slow) :
`F_2+ClO_2\rightarrow FClO_2+F`

Step 2 : (fast) :
`F+ClO_2\rightarrow FClO_2`

Now we have to determine the equation for the overall reaction.

Adding reaction 1 and 2, we get:

`F_2+ClO_2+F+ClO_2\rightarrow FClO_2+F+FClO_2`

After removing common species from both sides, we get:

`F_2+2ClO_2\rightarrow FClO_2+FClO_2`

`F_2+2ClO_2\rightarrow 2FClO_2`

Thus, the equation for the overall reaction is:

`F_2+2ClO_2\rightarrow 2FClO_2`