Two mechanisms are suggested for the conversion of A to B
CHEMISTRY · Subjective · A Level · Chemistry · Introduction to organic chemistry · Introduction to organic chemistry
Problem
Two mechanisms are suggested for the conversion of A to B.
Mechanism 1:
Step 1: A → C (slow)
Step 2: C → B (fast)
Mechanism 2:
Step 1: A ⇌ D (fast equilibrium)
Step 2: D → E (slow)
Step 3: E → B (fast)
A measured energy profile for the reaction shows a single intermediate energy minimum between reactants and products. Identify which mechanism is consistent with the energy profile and justify your choice briefly.