Question

The reaction \( 2 \, NO_2Cl(g) \rightarrow 2 \, NO_2(g) + Cl_2(g) \) takes place in two steps as
\text{(i) } \( NO_2Cl(g) \rightarrow NO_2(g) + Cl(g) \)
\text{(ii) } \( NO_2Cl(g) + Cl(g) \rightarrow NO_2(g) + Cl_2(g) \)
\text{Identify the reaction intermediate.

• A. \( NO_2Cl(g) \)
• B. \( Cl(g) \)
• C. \( NO_2(g) \)
• D. \( Cl_2(g) \)

Hint:

Reaction intermediates are species that are created and consumed during the course of the reaction mechanism but do not appear in the overall balanced equation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding reaction intermediates.
A reaction intermediate is a species that is formed in one step and consumed in a subsequent step of the reaction mechanism. In this case, \( Cl(g) \) is produced in the first step and consumed in the second step, making it the intermediate.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) \( NO_2Cl(g) \): Incorrect. \( NO_2Cl \) is a reactant, not an intermediate.
(B) \( Cl(g) \): Correct — \( Cl(g) \) is the intermediate in this reaction, as it is produced in step (i) and consumed in step (ii).
(C) \( NO_2(g) \): Incorrect. \( NO_2(g) \) is a product, not an intermediate.
(D) \( Cl_2(g) \): Incorrect. \( Cl_2(g) \) is a product, not an intermediate.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) \( Cl(g) \), as it is the intermediate in the given reaction.