Question

Consider this reaction mechanism: Step 1: Mo(CO)6→ Mo(CO)5 + CO Step 2: Mo(CO)5 + P(CH3)3→ Mo(CO)5P(CH3)3 Which of these is an intermediate

Answer 1

In terms of molecularity, Step 1 is

⇒ unimolecular

and Step 2 is

⇒ bimolecular.

Step-by-step explanation:

EDGE 2023

Answer 2

Mo(CO)5 is the intermediate in this reaction mechanism.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reaction mechanism describes the sequence of elementary reactions that must occur to go from reactants to products. Reaction intermediates are formed in one step and then consumed in a later step of the reaction mechanism.

In this reaction mechanism, Mo(CO)5 is the product of 1st reaction and then it is used as a reactant in 2nd reaction. So, Mo(CO)5 is the reaction intermediates.

The overall balanced equation would be,

Mo(CO)6 + P(CH3) ↔ CO + Mo(CO)5 + P(CH3)3