Stoichiometry, Rate Law, and Mechanism

In this chapter we discuss three general problems. First, we consider the rate law s relationship with and distinction from both reaction stoichiometry and reaction mechanism. Second, we describe some of the experimental techniques used in establishing rate laws. Finally, we analyze some specific examples. 

The reactions between hydrogen and the halogens have the stoichiometry 

However, when Bodenstein studied the kinetics of the iodine and bromine reactions he found that the experimental data led to completely different formulas to describe the rate of production of HX 

These equations, discovered after repeated experimentation, and the way in which the parameters k, k, k depend upon the external conditions (temperature, pressure, etc.) provide the data which are used to construct a mechanism. A simple bimolecular mechanism, closely related to the 

As we shall see in the next chapter there are always many mechanisms which are consistent with the data and a choice between them is made on various bases. 

---