Multiple Choice
If the transition state has a high energy relative to the energies of the reactants and products, what does this say about the reaction?
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Energy Diagram
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
In an enantioselective reaction, what best accounts for the formation of one enantiomer preferentially over the other enantiomer?
A
The difference in boiling point (bp) between the two products.
B
The difference in enthalpy (ΔH) between the starting material and each product
C
The difference in activation energy (Ea) to form the two products
D
The difference in free energy (ΔG) between the starting material and each product
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that enantioselective reactions produce one enantiomer in greater amounts than the other due to differences in reaction pathways.
Recognize that the key factor in determining which enantiomer is formed preferentially is the difference in activation energy (Ea) for the formation of each enantiomer.
Activation energy (Ea) is the energy barrier that must be overcome for a reaction to proceed. A lower Ea for one pathway means that pathway is more favorable.
Consider that while differences in enthalpy (ΔH) and free energy (ΔG) can influence reaction equilibria, they do not directly account for the rate at which each enantiomer is formed.
Conclude that the enantiomer formed preferentially is due to the lower activation energy (Ea) required for its formation, making that pathway kinetically favored.
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