In Problem 14.113, you wrote a mechanism for the nitric oxide– facilitated decomposition of ozone. Does your mechanism involve a catalyst or a reaction intermediate? Explain.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the role of a catalyst and a reaction intermediate in a chemical reaction.
2. Review the mechanism you wrote for the nitric oxide-facilitated decomposition of ozone.
3. Determine if there is a substance that is consumed in one step and regenerated in a subsequent step, which would indicate a catalyst.
4. Check if there is a substance that is produced in one step and consumed in a later step, which would indicate a reaction intermediate.
5. Explain whether the mechanism involves a catalyst, a reaction intermediate, or both, based on your analysis.

Key Concepts

Catalysts

A catalyst is a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. It works by providing an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. In the context of the nitric oxide-facilitated decomposition of ozone, if nitric oxide is regenerated at the end of the reaction, it acts as a catalyst.

Reaction Intermediates

A reaction intermediate is a transient species formed during the course of a chemical reaction that is not present in the final products. Intermediates are typically unstable and exist only for a short duration. In the mechanism of ozone decomposition, if a species is formed and consumed in the reaction steps but does not appear in the overall balanced equation, it is classified as an intermediate.

Reaction Mechanisms

A reaction mechanism is a detailed description of the step-by-step process by which reactants are converted into products. It outlines the sequence of elementary steps, including the formation of intermediates and the role of catalysts. Understanding the mechanism of the nitric oxide-facilitated decomposition of ozone is crucial to determine whether it involves a catalyst or an intermediate.