5.7 Introduction to Reaction Mechanisms

Identify the components of a reaction mechanism.

• A reaction mechanism consists of a series of elementary reactions, or steps, that occur in sequence. The components may include reactants, intermediates, products, and catalysts.
• The elementary steps when combined should align with the overall balanced equation of a chemical reaction.
• A reaction intermediate is produced by some elementary steps and consumed by others, such that it is present only while a reaction is occurring.
• Experimental detection of a reaction intermediate is a common way to build evidence in support of one reaction mechanism over an alternative mechanism.
  • Exclusion: Collection of data pertaining to detection of a reaction intermediate will not be assessed on the AP Exam.