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Multiple Choice
Which of the following reaction mechanisms is not a source of new chemical species in a reaction?
A
Radical chain reaction
B
Catalysis
C
Electrophilic addition
D
Nucleophilic substitution
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a reaction mechanism: A reaction mechanism is a step-by-step sequence of elementary reactions by which overall chemical change occurs.
Identify the role of catalysis in a reaction: Catalysis involves the acceleration of a chemical reaction by a catalyst, which is not consumed in the reaction and does not produce new chemical species.
Compare with other mechanisms: In a radical chain reaction, new radicals are generated, which are new chemical species. In electrophilic addition and nucleophilic substitution, new bonds are formed, leading to new chemical species.
Recognize that catalysis is unique: Unlike the other mechanisms, catalysis does not introduce new chemical species but rather facilitates the reaction by lowering the activation energy.
Conclude that catalysis is the mechanism that does not produce new chemical species, as it only speeds up the reaction without altering the reactants or products.