The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is catalyzed by iodideion. The catalyzed reaction is thought to proceed by a two-stepmechanism:
1.H2O2(aq) + I-(aq) → H2O(l)+IO-(aq) (slow)
2.IO-(aq) +H2O2(aq)→H2O(l)+O2(g)+I-(aq) (fast)
a. Assuming that the first step of the mechanism is ratedetermining, predict the rate expression for the overallprocess.
b. Write the chemical equation for the overall process.
c. Identify the intermediate, if any, in the mechanism.
d. What distinguishes an intermediate from a catalyst in the chemical reaction?