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Multiple Choice
Which reaction coordinate diagram matches the following acid/base reaction?
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1
Identify the reactants and products in the given acid/base reaction. The reactants are hydride ion (H-) and ethanol (CH3CH2OH), and the products are hydrogen gas (H2) and ethoxide ion (CH3CH2O-).
Understand the nature of the reaction. This is an acid-base reaction where the hydride ion acts as a base, accepting a proton from ethanol, which acts as an acid.
Consider the energy changes involved in the reaction. The reaction involves breaking the O-H bond in ethanol and forming an H-H bond in hydrogen gas. The energy required to break the O-H bond and the energy released in forming the H-H bond will determine the overall energy profile.
Analyze the reaction coordinate diagrams provided. A reaction coordinate diagram shows the energy changes during a reaction. The diagram with a single peak represents a single transition state, while multiple peaks indicate multiple steps or transition states.
Select the reaction coordinate diagram that best matches the reaction. Since the reaction involves a single step with a single transition state, the diagram with one peak, where the energy of the products is lower than the reactants, is the most appropriate choice.