In fractional order reactions, the order is a non-integer, which often indicates a complex reaction mechanism. For example, the pyrolysis of ethanal (CH3-CHO) into methane and carbon monoxide proceeds with an order of 1.5 with respect to ethanal: r = k3/2. The decomposition of phosgene (COCl2) to carbon monoxide and chlorine has order 1 with respect to phosgene itself and order 0.5 with respect to chlorine: r = k 1/2.
Read more about this topic: Order (chemistry)
Famous quotes containing the words fractional and/or order:
“Hummingbird
stay for a fractional sharp
sweetness, and’s gone, can’t take
more than that.”
—Denise Levertov (b. 1923)
“This entire most beautiful order of good things is going to pass away after its measure has been exhausted; for both morning and evening were made in them.”
—St. Augustine (354–430)