Question

Consider the reaction: 2nh3(aq)+ocl−(aq)→n2h4(aq)+h2o(l)+cl−(aq) this three-step mechanism is proposed: nh3(aq)+ocl−(aq) ⇌k1k2 nh2cl(aq)+oh−(aq) fast nh2ci(aq)+nh3(aq) ⟶k3 n2h+5(aq)+cl−−(aq) slow n2h+5(aq)+oh−(aq) ⟶k4 n2h4(aq)+h2o(l) fast part a does the mechanism sum to the reaction 2nh3(aq)+ocl−(aq)→n2h4(aq)+h2o(l)+cl−(aq)?

Answer 1

Yes, the mechanism sums to the reaction.

You add the equations, cancelling species that occur on opposite sides of the arrows.

Eq1: NH3(aq) + OCl^(-)(aq) → NH2Cl(aq) + OH^(-)(aq)

Eq2: NH2Cl(aq) + NH3(aq) → N2H5^(+)(aq) + Cl^(-)(aq)

Eq3: N2H5^(+)(aq) + OH^(-)(aq) → N2H4(aq) + H2O(l)

OA: 2NH3(aq) + OCl^(-)(aq) → N2H4(aq) + H2O(l) + Cl^(-)(aq)