Reaction Rates and Temperature

Reaction Rates and Temperature: The Arrhenius Equation k(T) = A e

Ea/RT

R is the gas constant: RT has energy units. Ea is the activation energy A is the pre-exponential factor (or Arrhenius A factor) it has the same units as k

Collision theory
 Reaction can only occur if collision takes place.  Colliding molecules must have correct orientation and energy.  Collision rate is directing proportional to the concentration of colliding particles.

Transition State Theory

 Explains the reaction resulting from the collision of molecules to form an activated complex.  Activated complex is unstable and can break to form product.

Exothermic Reaction

Endothermic Reaction

Enzyme kinetics: what do enzymes actually do?

Proteins with catalytic properties due to its power of specific activation
 Enzymes lower the activation energy barrier, thus make the reaction more likely. This is observed as as an increased reaction rate.  Enzymes DO NOT change G0 , i.e., whether or not the reaction is favourable.

S E

E E Enzyme may be used again P P Reaction coordinate

Enzymesubstrate complex

Temperature coefficient (Q10).

From Arrhenius Equation:

E k ln 2 ! a k1 R

1 1  T T 1 2

 Rate constant increases when T2>T1  The Rate of Increase is proportional to Ea

Typical standard free energies of activation (15 - 70 kJ M-1) give rise to increases in rate by factors between 1.2 and 2.5 for every 10 K rise in temperature.

Denaturing reactions have standard free energies of activation of about 200 - 300 kJ mole-1 (Q10 in the range 6 - 36) which means that, above a critical temperature, there is a rapid rate of loss of activity

Enzyme activity

Q10

Denaturation

10

20 30 40 Temperature / C

50

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