All reactions have their own speeds. Reactions like sodium in water are fast and almost explosive, while reactions like the rusting of iron are slow and steady. These reactions are elementary reactions, as in they are a single step. Figuring out the rate of these reactions is easy due to their simplicity. But what about reactions with multiple steps? The extra steps make determining the rate tricky, which is why there are methods we use to help us out.

In this article, we will be covering the pre-equilibrium approximation. This is a tool that chemists use to determine the rate of multistep reactions. Together, we will be walking through what the approximation is and how to use it. We will also have a brief refresher on kinetics to make sure you are up to speed.

• This article covers the pre-equilibrium approximation
• First, we will define the pre-equilibrium approximation
• Next, we will do a brief overview of the rate law, multistep reactions, and equilibrium
• Then, we will explain what assumptions we are making to use the approximation and how to set it up
• After that, we will walk through some examples
• Lastly, we will explain the main difference between the pre-equilibrium approximation and another method called steady-state approximation.

Pre-equilibrium Approximation Definition

Let's start by looking at the definition of pre-equilibrium approximation.

Consecutive reactions can be very complex, so methods like the pre-equilibrium approximation are handy tools to sort them out.

Basics of Rate Law, Multistep Reactions, and Equilibrium

Before we dive into the concept of the pre-equilibrium approximation, let's do a quick refresher on the kinetics relating to it. Firstly, let's recap the rate law.

Now that's what a rate law looks like for single-step reactions. For multistep reactions, it's a bit different. The rate law is written for the reaction's slow step. This step is called the rate-determining step. Think of it like being stuck in traffic, you can only drive as fast as the car in front.

Here's an example of a rate law for a multistep reaction: $$A+B\underset{k_{-1}} {\stackrel{k_1}{\rightleftharpoons}}I\,\text{(fast)}$$ $$I+C\xrightarrow{k_2}D\,\text{(slow)}$$

$$\text{rate}=k_2[I][D]$$

In this reaction, I is an intermediate.

The last thing we need to recap is the equilibrium constant.

Pre-equilibrium Approximation Method of Equilibrium

The pre-equilibrium approximation can only be used when the first step is fast and the second step (or any later step) is slow. This is because of the assumption the approximation method makes about the equilibrium. We assume that the first reaction is going quickly enough that the intermediates produced are "waiting in line" to react in the slower, second reaction. However, instead of waiting, the intermediates will instead participate in the reverse reaction, leading back to reactants, until the rates of the forward reaction and reverse reaction, of the first step, are equal.

Think of it like waiting in line at a busy attraction at an amusement park. Some people will get tired of waiting, so they leave and walk "backward" in line. At some point, the rate of being fed up and leaving will be the same as people entering.

Pre-equilibrium Approximation Rule

Now that we know what assumptions we are making, we can learn how to use the approximation rule. Here's a general example of a reaction that we could use the approximation for: $$A+B\underset{k_{-1}} {\stackrel{k_1}{\rightleftharpoons}}C\,\text{(fast)}$$ $$C+D\xrightarrow{k_2}E\,\text{(slow)}$$

Our first step is to write out the rate law as usual, which in this case would be: $$\text{rate}=k_2[C][D]$$

As mentioned previously, we cannot have an intermediate in the rate law. Here the intermediate is C, since it is produced in step 1, but consumed in step 2.

Next, we set up our approximation. We are assuming that the forward and reverse reactions are proceeding at equal rates: $$\text{rate}=k_1[A][B]=k_{-1}[C]$$

Another way to write this expression would be: $$K_{eq}=\frac{k_1}{k_{-1}}=\frac{[C]}{[A][B]}$$

Now we can solve for the concentration of the intermediate: $$[C]=K_{eq}[A][B]$$

Lastly, we substitute this expression into the rate equation to get the final rate law. $$\text{rate}=k[A][B][D]\,\,\,\text{where}\,k=k_2K_{eq}$$

Pre-equilibrium Approximation Examples

Let's walk through some examples together:

Let's work on one more problem

Pre-equilibrium Approximation vs. Steady-state

The pre-equilibrium approximation isn't the only tool used to help calculate the rate law for a multistep reaction. One other method is the steady-state approximation.

The main difference between these approximations is when they are used. Here is a diagram to explain:

Diagram showing the main difference between the two approximation methods. Vaia Original.

Each approximation is used based on where the rate-determining step is in the consecutive mechanism. If it is first, we use the steady-state approximation. If it isn't, then we use the pre-equilibrium approximation. As with the pre-equilibrium method, the steady-state approximation is used to solve for the rate law when there is an intermediate. We use the method to solve for the intermediate in terms of the reactants, then substitute that expression into the rate equation.