how do we know whether a chemistry reaction is a reversible or irreversible reaction??

Question

for example, the mechanism reaction of hydrolysis of methyl salicylate to salicyclic acid includes that of reversible and irreversible reaction. When do we know when the reversible reaction is occuring and vice versa??

Answer 1

Irreversible reactions are often called "spontaneous" or "favorable". These reactions are usually entropically driven, as opposed to thermodynamically driven. In an irreversible reaction, there is generally a great increase in entropy.

In theory, all reactions are reversible; however, there is no easy, straightforward, way to know if a reaction is reversible without knowing the characteristics of the reactants, products, and conditions.

Answer 2

Hydrolysis Of Methyl Salicylate Mechanism

Answer 3

is it favorable for the reaction to go backwards? is it simply the addition/removal of a H that spurns the reaction? then it's reversible. in mechanisms we say it's reversible but it might not be reversible in practice

Answer 4

Reactions that are reversible are said to be thermodynamically controlled, while reactions that are irreversible are kinetically controlled.

Answer 5

properly even as the reaction reaches an equilibrium between the reactacts and their ions its reversable rxn ex: aquous CH3COOH <-------------> CH3COO^-a million + H^+a million even as the products reactivity are more desirable than reactants ex: HCL <--------------> H^+a million + CL^-a million Irreversable even as: there is means releassed Glucose + O2 -------------> CO2 + H2O + means A Precipitate is formed. Ag^+a million relief with the help of lowering agent ---------> Ag (Silver ppt on the tube) you may want to keep in mind that Ag^+a million is discovered as AgNO3 aqueous. even as a fugitive is formed. 2Cr + 3H2SO4........> Cr2(SO4)3 + 3H2 etc.

Answer 6

My guess is you would have to radiolabel some methyl salicylate, add it to the mix, and see if radiolabeled salicylic acid shows up.