Question

clicker question
the rate - determining step (r.d.s.) of a reaction mechanism is:
(a)the first step in the mechanism
(b)the last step in the mechanism
(c)the slowest step in the mechanism
(d)the fastest step in the mechanism
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select an answer

Explanation:

The rate - determining step (r.d.s.) of a reaction mechanism is the step that occurs at the slowest rate. This is because the overall rate of the reaction is limited by the slowest step. It doesn't matter whether it is the first or the last step; what matters is its speed. The fastest step cannot be the rate - determining step as it does not limit the reaction rate.

Answer:

C. The slowest step in the mechanism