Table of contents

1. A Review of General Chemistry5h 5m
2. Molecular Representations1h 14m
3. Acids and Bases2h 46m
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes4h 17m
5. Chirality3h 39m
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics1h 22m
7. Substitution Reactions1h 48m
8. Elimination Reactions2h 30m
9. Alkenes and Alkynes2h 9m
10. Addition Reactions3h 19m
11. Radical Reactions1h 58m
12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols2h 42m
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds2h 17m
14. Synthetic Techniques1h 26m
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect7h 3m
16. Conjugated Systems6h 13m
17. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy51m
18. Aromaticity2h 34m
19. Reactions of Aromatics: EAS and Beyond5h 1m
20. Phenols55m
21. Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition4h 56m
22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS2h 51m
23. The Chemistry of Thioesters, Phophate Ester and Phosphate Anhydrides1h 10m
24. Enolate Chemistry: Reactions at the Alpha-Carbon1h 53m
25. Condensation Chemistry2h 9m
26. Amines1h 43m
27. Heterocycles2h 0m
28. Carbohydrates5h 53m
29. Amino Acids4h 20m
30. Peptides and Proteins2h 42m
31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions1h 30m
32. Lipids 2h 50m
33. The Organic Chemistry of Metabolic Pathways2h 52m
34. Nucleic Acids1h 32m
35. Transition Metals6h 14m
36. Synthetic Polymers1h 49m

6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics

Gibbs Free Energy

Organic Chemistry

6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics

Gibbs Free Energy

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3:34 minutes

Problem 40a

Textbook Question

For each pair of reactions, predict which will happen more quickly.
[For (a) and (b), think about the stability of the bases involved.]
(a)

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Analyze the two reactions provided. In the first reaction, the base is an alkoxide ion (CH3CH2O⁻), which reacts with H⁺ to form an alcohol (CH3CH2OH). In the second reaction, the base is a carbanion (CH3CH2⁻), which reacts with H⁺ to form an alkane (CH3CH3).

Step 2: Consider the stability of the bases involved. Alkoxide ions (CH3CH2O⁻) are more stable than carbanions (CH3CH2⁻) because the negative charge on the oxygen atom is better stabilized due to its higher electronegativity compared to carbon.

Step 3: Recall that the stability of the base affects the rate of protonation. A more stable base will react more quickly with H⁺ because it is less reactive and more likely to accept a proton.

Step 4: Compare the two reactions. Since the alkoxide ion (CH3CH2O⁻) is more stable than the carbanion (CH3CH2⁻), the reaction involving the alkoxide ion will happen more quickly.

Step 5: Conclude that the first reaction (CH3CH2O⁻ + H⁺ → CH3CH2OH) will occur faster than the second reaction (CH3CH2⁻ + H⁺ → CH3CH3) due to the greater stability of the alkoxide ion compared to the carbanion.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Stability of Bases

The stability of a base is crucial in determining the rate of a reaction. A more stable base is less reactive and will typically lead to a slower reaction rate. Conversely, an unstable base is more reactive and can facilitate faster reactions. Understanding the factors that contribute to base stability, such as resonance and electronegativity, is essential for predicting reaction kinetics.

Reaction Mechanism

The reaction mechanism outlines the step-by-step process by which reactants are converted into products. It includes the formation and breaking of bonds, the transition states, and the intermediates involved. Analyzing the mechanism helps in understanding which reactions are favored based on the stability of the intermediates and transition states, thus influencing the overall reaction rate.

Kinetics and Thermodynamics

Kinetics refers to the study of the rates of chemical reactions, while thermodynamics deals with the energy changes associated with reactions. A reaction may be thermodynamically favorable but kinetically slow if it has a high activation energy barrier. Understanding both concepts is vital for predicting which reaction will occur more quickly, as they provide insight into the energy landscape and the speed of the reaction pathway.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

For the following reactions we have not seen yet, which side, if either, would be favored by increasing the temperature?

(c)

Textbook Question

For the following reactions we have not seen yet, which side, if either, would be favored by increasing the temperature?

(d)

Textbook Question

For the following equilibrium processes and the corresponding ∆G°, calculate (i) K_eq and (ii) the % composition of the equilibrium mixture (% reactants, % products) at 298 K.

(a)

Textbook Question

For the following equilibrium processes and the corresponding ∆G°, calculate (i) K_eq and (ii) the % composition of the equilibrium mixture (% reactants, % products) at 298 K.

(b)

Textbook Question

For the following equilibrium processes and the corresponding ∆G° , indicate whether you expect the equilibrium constant to be greater than, equal to, or less than 1. Justify your expectation in words.

(b)

Textbook Question

For the following acid–base reactions studied in Assessment 5.25, draw a likely transition state. Be sure to indicate in your drawing the degree to which bonds are broken or formed.

(a)

Textbook Question

For the following acid–base reactions studied in Assessment 5.25, draw a likely transition state. Be sure to indicate in your drawing the degree to which bonds are broken or formed.

Textbook Question

For the following acid–base reactions studied in Assessment 5.25, draw a likely transition state. Be sure to indicate in your drawing the degree to which bonds are broken or formed.

(b)

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For each pair of reactions, predict which will happen more quickly.[For (a) and (b), think about the stability of the bases involved.](a)

Key Concepts

Stability of Bases

Reaction Mechanism

Kinetics and Thermodynamics

Watch next

For each pair of reactions, predict which will happen more quickly.
[For (a) and (b), think about the stability of the bases involved.]
(a)