Bond strength, energy dissolution reactions

Experimental studies have shown that not only oxidation reactions, but nearly all mineral dissolution reactions in nature, can be interpreted as a heterogeneous surface rate catalysis. As discussed earlier these reactions are usually stirring-independent and zero-order with respect to the products of dissolution (Fig. 9.4). The functionality of the dissolution reaction with respect to pH, and the fact that activation energies are significantly lower than the strength of metal oxide bonds (Table 9.4), suggests that the surface reactions controlling dissolution are catalyzed. 

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