Consecutive Reactions with no Elements of Reversibility

Consecutive reactions figure prominently in Part II. Since complex ions have a number of reactive centers, the product of one reaction may very well take part in a subsequent one. The simplest and very common, but still surprisingly involved, sequence is that of two irreversible first-order (1.66) or pseudo first-order (with X and Y in large excess) (1.67) reactions. 

If k k2 then both steps in (1.66) can be analyzed separately as described previously. If Atj k, then only the first step is observed and 

The only way for determining ki will be through isolation and separate examination of B (see later). If B is not isolable however and its properties are unknown, real difficulties might 

Often A, will be comparable in value to A2 and in this event the distribution of A, B and C with time is illustrated for example by the stepwise hydrolysis of a cobalt(III) complex (X = -0QH3(N02)2) 

Stepwise Hydrolysis of a Cobalt (III) Phosphate Complex (X = CXi6H4(N02)2) 

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