>How about the equilibrium of the reaction A + B <-> C on adding the
>catalyst? The forward reaction was diffusion-dependent and now it is in a
>sense "more" diffusion-dependent. The back reaction was NOT
>diffusion-dependent but now it is. Can we expect that the rate constants
>change proportionally so that their ratio K = Kf/Kb remains the same?
Yes, we must expect it: if the kinetics don't agree with thermodynamic
necessity there is something wrong with the kinetic model. The only way a
catalyst can change the position of an equilibrium is by being present at a
high enough concentration to bind a significant proportion of the
reactants, but then it's acting as a reactant and not as a catalyst, so
this is not a counter-example.
Athel
Email: athel at ibsm.cnrs-mrs.fr
Home page: http://ir2lcb.cnrs-mrs.fr/lcbpage/athel/homepage.htm
MCA FAQ: http://ir2lcb.cnrs-mrs.fr/lcbpage/athel/mcafaq.htm
MCA chapter from my book:
http://ir2lcb.cnrs-mrs.fr/lcbpage/athel/mcai.htm
