A reaction can yield either product X or product Y

CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry · Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry

Problem

A reaction can yield either product X or product Y. • Ea(X)=45 kJ mol−1E_a(\text{X}) = 45\,\text{kJ mol}^{-1} • Ea(Y)=60 kJ mol−1E_a(\text{Y}) = 60\,\text{kJ mol}^{-1} • ΔG∘(X)=−10 kJ mol−1\Delta G^{\circ}(\text{X}) = -10\,\text{kJ mol}^{-1} • ΔG∘(Y)=−25 kJ mol−1\Delta G^{\circ}(\text{Y}) = -25\,\text{kJ mol}^{-1} Immediately after mixing the reagents, the mixture is cooled to 0 ∘C0\,^{\circ}\text{C} and kept there for a short time before quenching. Which product is most likely to predominate in the quenched mixture? (a) Mostly product Y will be present. (b) Mostly product X will be present. (c) Products X and Y will be present in roughly equal amounts. (d) Little to no product will form at 0 ∘C0\,^{\circ}\text{C} because both pathways are too slow.

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