Question

In a reaction mechanism consisting of elementary reaction steps where the relative rate of each is given, which of the following is most likely to be the rate-determining step?

• A. A step labeled fast
• B. A step labeled moderate
• C. A step labeled slow
• D. It is not possible to tell which step is rate determining from this information.

Answer 1

The correct option is C A step labeled slow

In a multi-step reaction, the elementary step having the slowest-rate is always the rate determining step of the overall reaction.

Therefore, a step labeled slow will be the rate determining step.