Chapter 14, Problem 17E

Summary Introduction

To determine: Whether the given reaction proceeds spontaneously under standard conditions.

$\text{Fumarate}\text{+}\text{NADH}\text{+}{\text{H}}^{\text{+}}\stackrel{}{\rightleftarrows }\text{Succinate}\text{+}{\text{NAD}}^{\text{+}}$

Concept introduction: A spontaneous reaction may include an increase or decrease in the enthalpy and entropy. The spontaneity of a reaction depends on the decrease in free energy (ΔG), that is, free energy should be negative. The tendency for a substance to undergo reduction is known as the reduction potential (Ɛ). The positive change is a standard change in the reduction potential (ΔƐ) that indicates a spontaneous reaction.