What Reaction Would NOT Proceed Via Bimolecular Elementary Steps

Question

What reaction would NOT proceed via bimolecular elementary steps? A) C + D → T + U B) A reaction with a rate constant in the units of s−¹. C) 2A → D + E D) A reaction with a molecularity of 2. E) A reaction with a rate constant in the units of M−¹s−¹.

Accepted Answer

Bimolecular elementary steps involve the collision of two molecules, so reactions with only one reactant (D or E in options C and D) or with rate constants containing concentrations raised to powers other than one (such as M2 or M−1) would not proceed via bimolecular elementary steps. Option A could potentially proceed via bimolecular elementary steps, but not enough information is given to determine whether it does or not. Option B does not give any information about the reactants, so it is not possible to say whether it would proceed via bimolecular elementary steps or not.