P$10-7B_B$ The dehydration of $n-$butyl alcohol $($butanol$)$ over an alumina$-$silica catalyst was investigated by J$.$ F$.$ Maurer $($Ph$.$D$.$ thesis, University of Michigan$).$ The data in Figure P$10-7{?}_B$ were obtained at $750F$ in a modified differential reactor. The feed consisted of pure butanol.

$($a$)$ Suggest a mechanism and rate$-$limiting step that are consistent with the experimental data.

$($b$)$ Evaluate the rate$-$law parameters.

$($c$)$ At the point where the initial rate is a maximum, what is the fraction of vacant sites? What is the fraction of occupied sites by both A and $B?\%$ vacant $=0\mathrm{.}41$

$($d$)$ What generalizations can you make from studying this problem?

$($e$)$ Write a question that requires critical thinking and then explain why your question requires critical thinking. Hint: See Preface Section I.

$($f$)$ Apply one or more of the six ideas in Preface Table P$-4,$ page xxviii, to this problem.

Figure P$10-7,$ Initial reaction rate as function of initial partial pressure of butanol.