Linear plots are widely used in the case of single reactions to determine rate constants by kinetic analysis. Even in the case of composite reactions, it is possible to determine the rate constants with Excel’s solver function when the reaction equations can be integrated analytically. However, when it is impossible to analytically integrate complex reactions, this becomes a parameter estimation problem with differential equations, for which a custom modeling tool will often be used. Regardless of whether Excel’s solver function or a custom modeling tool is used, it is very important that the initial values of the rate constants be reasonable in order to find the optimal solutions. Here, we will introduce guidelines for determining reaction rate constants using Excel’s solver function. (Y. Kumagae)
