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Hammond Postulate quiz #1 Flashcards

Hammond Postulate quiz #1
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  • Which statement about the Hammond postulate is incorrect: (a) Transition states resemble the species with the highest energy on the free energy diagram, (b) Transition states always resemble the reactants, (c) An early transition state resembles the reactants, (d) A late transition state resembles the products?
    Statement (b) is incorrect. According to the Hammond postulate, transition states resemble the species with the highest energy on the free energy diagram, which could be either the reactants or the products depending on the reaction profile.
  • According to the Hammond postulate, how does the transition state of a reaction relate to the energy of reactants and products?
    According to the Hammond postulate, the transition state of a reaction will resemble the species (reactants or products) that has the highest energy on the free energy diagram. If the transition state is closer in energy to the reactants, it will look more like the reactants (early transition state); if it is closer to the products, it will look more like the products (late transition state).
  • What does the Hammond postulate help chemists determine about transition states?
    The Hammond postulate helps chemists determine what transition states look like depending on their position in the free energy diagram. It predicts whether the transition state resembles the reactants or the products.
  • How are bonds described in the context of transition states according to the transcript?
    Bonds in transition states are described as being broken and formed at the same time. This simultaneous bond breaking and forming characterizes the transition state.
  • What is the highest energy point on a free energy diagram called?
    The highest energy point on a free energy diagram is called the transition state. It represents the maximum energy barrier between reactants and products.
  • What does it mean if a transition state is described as 'early'?
    An 'early' transition state means it more closely resembles the reactants. This occurs when the transition state is closer in energy to the reactants than to the products.
  • What does it mean if a transition state is described as 'late'?
    A 'late' transition state means it more closely resembles the products. This occurs when the transition state is closer in energy to the products than to the reactants.
  • According to the transcript, what does the transition state connect on the free energy diagram?
    The transition state connects a higher energy state and a lower energy state on the free energy diagram. It serves as the energetic bridge between these two states.
  • Why is the Hammond postulate considered useful in organic chemistry?
    The Hammond postulate is useful because it allows chemists to predict the structure of transition states. This helps in understanding reaction mechanisms and energy profiles.
  • What is the paraphrased version of the Hammond postulate given in the transcript?
    The paraphrased version states that transition states most closely resemble the species with the highest energy. This could be either the reactants or the products, depending on the reaction.