Is it possible for a reaction to have a large equilibrium constant but small forward and reverse rate constants?

Question

Chemistry

Macey Middleton

9 October, 13:47

Is it possible for a reaction to have a large equilibrium constant but small forward and reverse rate constants?

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Answers (1)

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Holland · Answer 1

The equilibrium constant K and the forward rate constant k1 and backward rate constant k2 has the following relation:

K = k1 / k2

So from the equation, we can say that yes it is possible to have large K even if k1 is small given that k2 is very small compared to k1: (k2 very less than 1)

k2 << k1