Choosing a Reaction Pathway Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

Name five factors considered when choosing a reaction pathway to make a product.

Atom economy, percentage yield, rate of reaction, position of equilibrium, and usefulness of by-products.

True or false? The reaction pathway with the highest atom economy is always the one chosen in industry.

False. Yield, rate, equilibrium position and whether the by-products are useful are also considered.

Why might a pathway with a lower atom economy still be chosen?

Because its by-products are useful and can be sold or used, or because it has a higher yield or faster rate.

Why is the position of equilibrium considered when choosing a reaction pathway?

An equilibrium lying towards the products gives a higher yield of the desired product.

Why is the rate of reaction considered when choosing a reaction pathway?

A faster reaction makes the product in less time, so more can be produced and costs are lower.

True or false? A reaction with a high percentage yield must also have a high atom economy.

False. Yield measures how much of the possible product is obtained; atom economy depends only on the balanced equation.