Question

The reaction: A + 3 B → D + F was studied and the following mechanism was determined. A + B C (fast) C + B → D + E (slow) E + B → F (very fast) The species, C, is properly described as

Answer 1

Intermediate.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hello,

In this case, we can rewrite the steps as:

`A + B \rightarrow C\ \ (fast)\\\\C + B \rightarrow D + E\ \ (slow)\\\\E + B \rightarrow F \ \ (very fast)`

Thus, we can notice that in the fast step, C is present as a product but after that is consumed in the slow step, for that reason, and by cause of its formation-consumption behavior, it is properly described as an intermediate as it is not neither a starting-up substance (reactant in the first step) nor a final substance (product in the final step).

Best regards.