Simple Technique for Determining the Forward Rate Constant of Reversible Reaction
Simple Technique for Determining the Forward Rate Constant of Reversible Reaction

Summary/Abstract: The forward rate constant of reversible reactions can be used to estimate the concentration of the reactants at a given time (and then the products by using stoichiometric coefficients), to control the quality of the products, to calculate the backward rate constant (by using equilibrium constant), to determine the activation energy, and to predict the reaction mechanisms. Most commonly, the determination of a forward rate constant is done by using the equilibrium concentrations. However, this approach is inefficient since to a certain extent a lot of reactions takes a long time to reach an equilibrium state. The method without using equilibrium concentration is also introduced. Nevertheless, it cannot be used to determine the backward rate constant. This study presents a simple and appropriate technique, using irreversible approach on three data at the early stages of a reversible reaction. The data for first order for both directions and first order for forward and second order for back reaction were obtained from literatures. The results were then compared with that obtained from conventional technique. The results show that, with error percentage less than 5%, the new technique is valid and reliable.

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