Activation energy

[21385]

Hi

Imagine an energy graph for a reaction, where the highest energy state is held by intermediate C, but the highest leap in energy between one intermediate and the next is between intermediate A and intermediate B.

What is the activation energy and what is the rate determining step?

Thanks

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[rls303]

Hi

Imagine an energy graph for a reaction, where the highest energy state is held by intermediate C, but the highest leap in energy between one intermediate and the next is between intermediate A and intermediate B.

What is the activation energy and what is the rate determining step?

Thanks

I'm going to guess, but someone please confirm:

activation energy is the energy of inermediate C+ the leap in energy of A and B.

I would say the rate determinig step is the formation of C from A.

I am just guessing, so someone please confirm!

 

[lorenzomicron]

the rate determining step is that which is slowest, i.e. needs the most energy; thus, the rate determining step is the largest leap, which is from A to B.

however, the activation energy will be the total from the reactant to the highest energy intermediate, namely the energy from reactant to C.