Question:

Higher order (>3) reactions are rare due to

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A reaction of order higher than three would need four or more molecules to collide at the same time, which is extremely improbable.
Updated On: Nov 11, 2026
  • increase in entropy and activation energy as more molecules are involved
  • shifting of equilibrium towards reactants due to elastic collisions
  • loss of active species on collision
  • low probability of simultaneous collision of all the reacting species
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

For an elementary step to have molecularity (and hence order) greater than 3, four or more reactant molecules must collide simultaneously with proper orientation and energy.
The probability of such a simultaneous collision is extremely low, so such reactions are rare; complex reactions proceed through a sequence of simpler steps instead.
Answer: (4) low probability of simultaneous collision of all the reacting species
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