The following represents the catalytic cycle for the production of a chemical by

Question

The following represents the catalytic cycle for the production of a chemical by the Tennessee- Eastman process which is a modification of the Monsanto acetic acid process: Name the types of reaction in the steps labeled a to f. (6) Write the balanced stoichiometric equation (ignoring catalysts) for the overall process by working out the "Reactants - Products". (3) The complex labeled "g" is an 18-electron complex, what is the oxidation state of the Rhodium? (2) This process is earned out under anhydrous conditions. What would be the major product if water were present? Explain your answer using any relevant structures or reaction mechanisms. (5)

Explanation / Answer

i.

Types of reaction are

[e] is CH3I generation reaction.

[d] is an Oxidative addition of CH3 I to the RhI -complex

[a] is a migration insertion of CO

[b] is new CO addition to the coordination vacancy

[c] is Reductive elimination of CH3COI

[f] is formation of acetic unhydride

ii.

the overall reaction is

H3C-OH + CO = H3C-CO-OH

methanol + carbon monoxide = Acetic acid

iii.

The rhodium metal shuttles between the oxidation states of +1 and +3.

here, [g] has oxidation state +1

iv.

the absence of water in [f] yiels acetic unhydride. if the water were present, acetic acid would be formed through

CH3CO-I + H2O = CH3COOH + HI

CH3COI + CH3OH = CH3COOH + CH3-I

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