Rate-determining step
Rate-determining step
Real World
In the SN1 hydrolysis of a tertiary halogenoalkane like 2-bromo-2-methylpropane, the slow ionisation step (forming a carbocation) is rate-determining, which is why doubling [OH⁻] has no effect on rate.
Exam Focus
Match species in the rate equation to the rate-determining step's reactants; if OH⁻ doesn't appear in the rate equation, it's not in the slow step.
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