A correct statement about transition state of SN2 reaction isa)the tra...
SN2 reaction is a one step (concerted) reaction that involes a single transition state.
View all questions of this testA correct statement about transition state of SN2 reaction isa)the tra...
A transition state is a short-lived, high-energy state that exists during a chemical reaction. It is the point at which the reactants are in the process of forming the products. In the case of an SN2 (substitution nucleophilic bimolecular) reaction, the transition state occurs when the nucleophile attacks the substrate and the leaving group begins to depart.
Explanation of the options:
a) The statement that the transition state proceeds and follows an unstable reaction intermediate is incorrect. The transition state is not stable, but it is not an intermediate either. It is a fleeting arrangement of atoms that exists for a very short period of time before either forming the products or reverting back to the reactants.
b) The statement that the transition state will always have a net negative charge is incorrect. The charge distribution in the transition state depends on the specific reaction and the nature of the reactants. In an SN2 reaction, for example, the nucleophile may partially share its negative charge with the leaving group, but the overall charge is not necessarily negative.
c) The statement that the existence of the transition state implies an exothermic reaction is incorrect. The transition state is a high-energy state, but it does not necessarily indicate whether the reaction is exothermic or endothermic. The energy change of a reaction is determined by the difference in energy between the reactants and the products, not the transition state.
d) The statement that the single transition state represents the point of maximum free energy of the reaction is correct. The transition state is the highest point on the reaction coordinate diagram, which represents the energy changes that occur during a reaction. The free energy of the reactants is lower than that of the transition state, and the free energy of the products is lower than that of the transition state. Thus, the transition state represents the maximum free energy point.
In summary, the correct statement is option 'D' because the transition state represents the highest point of free energy in the reaction.