JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3g3211
Two conformers A and B do not interconvert during the reaction time (their interconversion barrier is far above both reaction barriers). They are present in equilibrium proportions at 298 K, B being 4.0kJmol−1 above A. A reacts irreversibly and completely to PA, and B to PB. With R=8.314Jmol−1K−1 the final ratio is
APA : PB ≈ 1 : 1, since both are consumed completely
BPA : PB ≈ 5 : 1, equal to the conformer population ratio
Cfixed only by the transition-state energies, independent of the populations
DPB : PA ≈ 5 : 1
Answer: B
With no interconversion the Curtin-Hammett condition fails, and each conformer is converted completely to its own product. The product ratio equals the initial population ratio exp(4000/(8.314×298))=5.03, about 5 : 1 in favour of PA.