NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3g3174
Which statement about intermediates and transition states is correct?
ABoth intermediates and transition states lie in energy minima.
BAn intermediate lies in an energy minimum, whereas a transition state lies at an energy maximum.
CA transition state lies in an energy minimum, whereas an intermediate lies at an energy maximum.
DBoth intermediates and transition states lie at energy maxima.
Answer: B
On a reaction profile an intermediate occupies a valley (a local minimum) and has a finite lifetime. A transition state is the peak between two valleys.