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.

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.

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.

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.