Rates of reaction - kinetics (A2)
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I am currently writing the analysis section for an investigation to determine the rate law for iodine and propanone using an acid catalyst. I have already found the rate law and the rate constant, but I was wondering if you had any idea on how I could link this to other modules?
Ulex replies
I presume you have speculated on the mechanism of the reaction, explaining why the order is zero with respect to iodine. The main point of doing rate equation studies is to obtain information leading to a mechanistic suggestion.
To link this to 'other modules' you might comment that this is essentially a substitution into an alkyl group. This substitution has a mechanism which is quite different from that of halogen substitution into an alkane, which has a free radical mechanism, or into a benzene ring, which is electrophilic substitution.
You might speculate on whether other halogens would behave in the same way as iodine towards propanone and how you might vary your technique to study such reactions.
You might wonder whether other ketones would undergo similar reactions.
If you really want to show off (but I'm not going to tell you exactly how to do it!) see if you can find out about the 'iodoform test' - what it is for and how its conditions are different from those used in your investigation.
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updated: 09 May 2007
