Topical Questions These questions are keyed to major topics in the chapter. Usually a q...

Topical Questions

These questions are keyed to major topics in the chapter. Usually a question that is answered at the back of this book is paired with a similar one that is not.

Billions of pounds of acetic acid are made each year, much of it by the reaction of methanol with carbon monoxide.

(a) By calculating the standard Gibbs free energy change, ΔG°, for this reaction, show that it is product-favored.

(b) Determine the standard Gibbs free energy change, ΔG°, for the reaction of acetic acid with oxygen to form gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid water.

(c) Based on this result, is acetic acid thermodynamically stable compared with CO₂(g) and H₂O(l)?

(d) Is acetic acid kinetically stable compared with CO₂(g) and H₂O(l)?