Stoichiometric coefficients

[Rebecca Doan 2L]

Are stoichiometric coefficients used for elementary reactions? In the book, it states that they are not. However, in lecture, Lavelle has provided examples where there are coefficients in the elementary reactions of a mechanism.

[Scott Chin_1E]

I think the stoichiometric coefficients are there to help us determine the rate law of the elementary step. It would give us the order of the reactant in the rate law.

[Sarah Maraach 2K]

Yes, stoichiometric coefficients are used in the elementary steps' rate laws, but you can't use it for the overall rate law as the coefficients may not align with the order.

[Phillip Tran]

only for elementary steps

[sallina_yehdego 2E]

Yes, they are used for elementary step rate laws, but always keep in mind you cannot use it when you're trying to solve for the rate law of the overall reaction because the coefficients may not always line up.