Chapter 16, Problem 72A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

To identify the labels in the given figure.

Concept introduction:

An activated complex is formed as a result of collision between two particles with a sufficient amount of energy required for the collision. When the colliding particles break their bonds to form new bonds with the atoms of the particles it has undergo collision, a temporary transition state is generated which is an activated complex.

Answer to Problem 72A

In figure 16.23, label 1 represents the reactants, label 2 represents the activated complex, label 3 represents intermediate step, label 4 represents activated complex., label 5 represents products and label 6 also represents the activated complex.

Explanation of Solution

From the figure,

Each step signifies a series of elementary reactions. The reaction begins with the reactants and proceeds through an intermediate to generate products.

Label 1 represents the reactants as it is located at the beginning of the reaction.

Label 2 represents an activated complex because it is located just after label 1.

Label 3 represents the intermediate step because the curve in this location is lower in energy than that of the activated complex.

The intermediate which is produced from the first elementary step used as reactants in the second elementary step. An activated complex is generated when the intermediates react.

This particular elementary step includes an activated complex with a higher energy than in the previous elementary step. Label 4 represents the activated complex.

The products are formed after the activated complex briefly occurs in the second elementary step. Label 5 represents the products. The products located in label 5 is lower in energy than that of the activated complex.

The intermediate that is produced from the second elementary step is used as a reactant in the third elementary step. These intermediates react to generate an activated complex. Label 6 represents the activated complex.

Conclusion

Label 1 represents reactants, label 2 represents activated complex, label 3 represents the intermediate step, label 4 represents the activated complex, label 5 represents the products and label 6 represents the activated complex