Chapter 24, Problem 98AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The statement“replacement of hydrogen atom at reactive sites with a deuterium atom, substantially slows down the overall oxidation state,” is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The change in the rate of reaction at the time when one atom of reactant replaces its isotope, is known as kinetic isotope effect.

Oxidation state is a number assigned to an element in chemical combination which represents the number of electrons lost or gained, by an atom of that element in the compound.

Oxidation occurs when a loss of electrons takes place.

Deuterium is an isotope of hydrogen, which is highly stable.