MolSynapsequestion bank
MolSynapse / Question bank / Chemical Kinetics / Parallel, consecutive and reversible reactions, catalysis
JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3ck179

In an autocatalytic reaction, where a product speeds up the reaction, the plot of reactant concentration against time typically shows

  1. Athe fastest rate at , steadily slowing afterwards
  2. Ban initial slow period, then rapid decrease, and finally a levelling off
  3. Ca straight line of constant slope
  4. Da rate that is highest only at the very end

Answer: B

Initially there is little catalyst (product), so the rate is low. As product accumulates the rate rises, then falls again as the reactant is exhausted. The concentration curve is therefore S-shaped, unlike ordinary first-order decay whose rate is highest at .
Practice Chemical Kinetics More on Parallel, consecutive and reversible reactions, catalysis

More questions on Parallel, consecutive and reversible reactions, catalysis