Chemistry: Mechanisms

Question

The following mechanism has been proposed for the conversion of tert-butyl bromide to tert-butyl alcohol in aqueous solution:

step 1  slow:  (CH₃)₃CBr  (CH₃)₃C⁺ + Br^-

step 2  fast:   (CH₃)₃C⁺ + OH^-  (CH₃)₃COH

(1) What is the equation for the overall reaction? Use the smallest integer coefficients possible. If a box is not needed, leave it blank.

+

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(2) Which species acts as a catalyst? _______ Enter formula. If none, leave box blank: 

(3) Which species acts as a reaction intermediate? ________ Enter formula. If none, leave box blank: 

(4) Complete the rate law for the overall reaction that is consistent with this mechanism.

(Use the form k[A]^m[B]ⁿ... , where '1' is understood (so don't write it) for m, n etc.)

Rate = _______

Answer 1

(1). sum the elementary steps:

(CH₃)₃CBr + OH^- ==> (CH₃)₃COH + Br^-

(2) ___

(3) __(CH₃)₃C⁺___

(4) Rate = k[(CH₃)₃CBr]