Answer to Question #220666 in Organic Chemistry for Arslan

Question

Write the mechanism for the following forward and backward reaction. Also explain how do we control the position of equilibrium.

RCOOR' + H2O RCOOH + R'OH

Answer 1

Catalysts: Catalyst affects rate of reaction. Does not affect equilibrium constant or position of

equilibrium. Catalysts speed up both forward and reverse reactions in equilibrium equally.

Equilibrium is reached quicker with catalysts.

 Yield/ position of equilibrium is difficult to determine when two things changes as do not know

the relative effect of two opposing factors- pressure/ conc/ temp changes.

 When both reactant and product changed in pressure/ conc. If powers of top and bottom are

the same, Kc does not change, no equilibrium shifts and equilibrium conc stays the same.