MolSynapsequestion bank
MolSynapse / Question bank / General Organic Chemistry III: Reaction Intermediates / Reaction energy profiles, kinetic vs thermodynamic control
JEE Advanced levelOne or more correct optionsDifficulty 3 of 3g3215

Two conformers A and B interconvert rapidly (barrier lower than any reaction barrier), and each reacts irreversibly to PA and PB respectively. Which statements are correct?

  1. AIf the transition state leading to PA is lower than that leading to PB, then PA : PB 10 : 1 at 298 K
  2. BThe product ratio is determined by the free-energy difference of the two transition states
  3. CThe product ratio equals the equilibrium ratio of the populations of A and B
  4. DThe more populated conformer necessarily gives the major product

Answer: A, B

This is the Curtin-Hammett situation. The ratio is , i.e. about 10 : 1. The population ratio is irrelevant, and the less populated conformer can give the major product if its transition state is lower.
Practice General Organic Chemistry III: Reaction Intermediates More on Reaction energy profiles, kinetic vs thermodynamic control

More questions on Reaction energy profiles, kinetic vs thermodynamic control