Consider the following mechanism: Cl2 ⇌ 2Cl
Cl+ CO ⇌ COCl
COCl + Cl2 ⇌COCl2 + Cl
2Cl ⇌ Cl2

Determine if each statement is true or false.

a. Cl is an intermediate and a catalyst.
b. COCI is the only intermediate
c. Cl is a catalyst
d. Both Cl and COCI are intermediates

d. Both Cl and COCI are intermediates.

Explanation:

Hey there!

In this case, according to the given mechanism:

Cl2 --> 2Cl

Cl+ CO --> COCl

COCl + Cl2 --> COCl2 + Cl

2Cl --> Cl2

We can see that the overall reaction, omits the presence Cl, COCl and the result is:

Cl2+CO-->COCl2

Which means d. Both Cl and COCI are intermediates.

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