Steady-State Approach vs. Pre-Equilibrium Approach [ENDORSED]

[abram_wassily_1G]

Okay so I am still not entirely sure what separates the Steady-State Approach from the Pre-Equilibrium Approach. Is it correct to assume that if the first elementary step in a reaction mechanism is slow, we use the Steady-State Approach? And, if the first elementary step in a reaction mechanism is fast, we use the Pre-Equilibrium Approach? Thank you.

[Jeffreyho97]

I don't think it matters whether the first or second step is the slow step. Lavelle said that it probably is better to just use the pre-equilibrium step because it is more straightforward. Remember they both give the same result.

[Marissa Petchpradub 2F]

Yes, I believe it is correct to assume we use the Pre-Equilibrium approach when the first elementary step in a reaction mechanism is fast.