MolSynapsequestion bank
MolSynapse / Question bank / General Organic Chemistry III: Reaction Intermediates / Hammond postulate and reactivity-selectivity
NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3g3117

The Hammond postulate states that the transition state of a reaction step

  1. Ais the same in energy as the intermediate
  2. Bresembles the species (reactant or product) that is closer to it in energy
  3. Calways resembles the reactant
  4. Dalways resembles the product

Answer: B

According to the Hammond postulate two states that occur consecutively and are close in energy have similar structures. So the transition state is similar to whichever neighbouring species lies nearer to it in energy. It is not always reactant-like or product-like.
Practice General Organic Chemistry III: Reaction Intermediates More on Hammond postulate and reactivity-selectivity
Previous questionNext question

More questions on Hammond postulate and reactivity-selectivity