Introduction.
Clearly state the physical chemistry objective of the laboratory. Give the structural formula of the compound to be synthesized.
Theory.
(l) Discuss the reactions and mechanisms involved with the synthesis of the thioether cobalt(lll) complex; be certain to include logic behind each step in the synthesis and give the the structural formula for each molecule; this discussion should include what is meant by “labile” and “inert” and how they affect the synthetic pathway,
(2) the origin of the observed spectrum; (3) discuss the mechanism of the hydrolysis reaction, with structural formulas;
(4) Derive rate law, equation
(8) from the mechanism of the reaction; (5) Derive equations (9) and discuss what is meant by the observed rate constant and express it in terms of the rate constants for the mechanism steps;
(6) Derive equations (l l), (14) and (16); in each case discuss what you are doing and clearly define
each of the rate constants involved;
(7) Derive equation (19) and discuss how you will use it to determine the activation energy.
Results.
Present all using PsiPlot; careful label each graph, including the maximum absorbance wavelengths. Present the original time course data and the time course data regraphed using PsiPlot.
Analysis.
Carefully discuss how you analyzed the data and present all graphs involved. Show both
the data points and the linear regression fit.
Discussion.
(l) Discuss the purity of the complexes that you synthesized as determined from the spectra;
(2) Discuss if the observed rate constant depends on the concentration or not;
(3) Discuss if the observed kinetics is consistent with the proposed mechanism (discuss why or why not the data and the analyses supports the mechanism);
(4) for each graph, discuss the goodness of the linear fit;
(4) Discuss the temperature dependence of the rate law and the linearity of the Arrhenius plot.
Conclusion.
State the observed rate law and the rate constant for the reaction and whether or not the
proposed mechanism is supported. Give the activation energy. Be certain to use correct units and
significant figures.
