Question

Why are reactions between ions in aqueous solution generally much faster than reactions between covalent molecules?

Answer 1

In order to react, reactant molecules must collide with each other to form product. This collision must be effective means only those molecules collide which have energy equal to or greater than activation energy in order to form product. Reactant molecules must cross this energy barrier to form product.

In aqueous solution, ions are separated by water and are free to react as they dont need energy to overcome interionic atrraction .

In covalent molecules , atoms bonded together through covalent bond . In order to react , atoms must break these bonds which require energy.

Thus We can conclude that energy barrier can be easily crossed by ions as compared to covalent molecules hence they react faster.