The concentration of reactants plays a crucial role in determining the rate of reaction and the selectivity of products in the conversion of methyl ethyl ketone MEK to pyruvic acid using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent in the presence of a sulfuric acid catalyst. This reaction can be described by the following equation:MEK + H2O2 Pyruvic Acid1. Effect on the rate of reaction:According to the collision theory, the rate of a reaction is directly proportional to the frequency of effective collisions between the reacting molecules. As the concentration of reactants increases, the number of molecules present in the reaction mixture also increases, leading to a higher probability of effective collisions and thus a faster reaction rate.In this case, increasing the concentration of MEK, hydrogen peroxide, or sulfuric acid will increase the rate of reaction. However, it is essential to maintain an optimal concentration of each reactant to avoid side reactions or the formation of unwanted products.2. Effect on the selectivity of products:Selectivity refers to the preference for the formation of one product over another in a chemical reaction. In the conversion of MEK to pyruvic acid, the selectivity of products can be influenced by the concentration of reactants, particularly the oxidizing agent hydrogen peroxide and the catalyst sulfuric acid .a Hydrogen peroxide concentration: The selectivity of pyruvic acid formation can be affected by the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. If the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is too low, the reaction may not proceed to completion, leading to a lower yield of pyruvic acid. On the other hand, if the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is too high, it may cause over-oxidation of MEK, leading to the formation of unwanted by-products, such as carbon dioxide and water.b Sulfuric acid concentration: The concentration of the sulfuric acid catalyst also plays a role in determining the selectivity of products. An optimal concentration of sulfuric acid is required to promote the desired reaction pathway and minimize the formation of side products. If the concentration of sulfuric acid is too low, the reaction rate may be slow, and the selectivity towards pyruvic acid may be reduced. Conversely, if the concentration of sulfuric acid is too high, it may promote side reactions, leading to the formation of unwanted by-products.In conclusion, the concentration of reactants, particularly hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acid, significantly affects the rate of reaction and the selectivity of products in the conversion of methyl ethyl ketone to pyruvic acid. To achieve the desired reaction rate and product selectivity, it is crucial to optimize the concentration of each reactant. This can be done through experimentation and the use of reaction kinetics models to determine the optimal conditions for the reaction.