Chapter 8, Problem 8.4YT

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of elementary steps in the mechanism represented by the given free energy diagram is to be determined. The number of locations in the energy diagram that represent intermediates is to be determined. The locations of the overall reactants (R), intermediates (I), transition states (TS), and overall products (P) on the diagram are to be marked.

Concept introduction:

For a mechanism that contains n total elementary steps, there must be n total transition states. Because an intermediate is located in between two transition states, there must be n – 1 locations in the energy diagram that represent intermediates. Transition states are present at energy maxima. Intermediates appear at energy minima.