For a first-order sequential complex reaction , the kinetic curves show decreasing exponentially. Th — Chemical Kinetics Chemistry Question
Question
For a first-order sequential complex reaction $A \xrightarrow{k_1} B \xrightarrow{k_2} C$, the kinetic curves show $[A]$ decreasing exponentially. The curve for $[B]$ starts at zero, rises to a maximum, and then decays. What is the explicit mathematical expression for the time $t_{max}$ at which the concentration of the intermediate $[B]$ strictly peaks?
💡 Solution & Explanation
For sequential first-order reactions, setting the derivative of $[B]$ with respect to time to zero gives the time for maximum concentration: $t_{max} = \frac{\ln(k_1/k_2)}{k_1 - k_2}$. Using logarithm properties, this can be written exactly as $\frac{\ln k_1 - \ln k_2}{k_1 - k_2}$.