is the rate law consistent with the one step mechanism: H2O2+2I- +2H+>>>>I2 + 2H20.. explain?

Question

where I is iodine

explain why or why not

Answer 1

You don't give the rate law, so it's impossible to tell. Suppose [H2O2] = concentration of H2O2 and [I-] = concentration of iodide. If rate = k[H2O2][I-], then the mechanism is one step. This means that both an H2O2 and an I- have to come together at the same time for the reaction to occur. If rate = k[H2O2], then it's a two-step process. This is because something has to happen to H2O2 in a slow, rate-limiting step, followed by the reaction of whatever with I-.