question about rate law.

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savvysearch

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Last question. I promise! I take my test tommorrow.

In basic solution:

(Ch3)3CCl + OH- -----> (CH3)3COH + Cl-

Mechanism:
(CH3)3CCl ---->(CH3)C+ + Cl- (fast)
(Ch3)C+ + OH- ----->(CH3)3COH (slow)

what is the rate?

I thought the rate was the product of conc. of reactants of the slow part. So, k[(CH3)C][OH]=rate

But, the answer is: [(CH3)3CCl][Cl-]

Why?
 
Due to the fact that C(CH3)3+ does not form unless the fast reaction occurs. So if the rate shows over a perios of "time" that CCH3CL concentration decreases and CL- concentration increases you can assume that C(CH3)3+ has been formed. Just ask yourself, how can the slow step occur without the cation?

#2 -- I believe if I recall correctly, there were 2 or 3 transition elements that behave the same way that zinc does. Just look in your textbook.