Chapter 4 – Complex Reactions

This chapter discusses steady-state kinetics of complex reactions and introduces the concepts of reaction routes and balance equations. Examples of rate derivations are presented. Generalized expression for single-route steady-state reaction is derived. Basic routes of complex consecutive and parallel reactions are described. Topological analysis is used for analysis of complex linear and nonlinear reaction mechanism. Graph theory and electrical analogy of reaction networks are introduced. Thermodynamic consistency of rate constants for complex networks is discussed. Selectivity of parallel and consecutive reactions is analyzed from kinetic viewpoint. Concept of polynomial kinetics for catalytic reactions with nonlinear steps is presented, allowing avoidance of derivation of explicit kinetic equations.