Summary:
- The rate-determining step is the slowest step in the sequence of steps in a reaction mechanism.
- Catalysts lower the overall activation energy for a reaction by providing an alternative mechanism for the reaction to follow.
- The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is discussed below and illustrates how reaction mechanisms can be determined through experimental studies.
- The iodide ion catalyst also appears in the mechanism.
- It is consumed in the first elementary step and then is regenerated in the second step.
- That is the requirement for a catalyst – that is that it is not used up in the reaction.