Chapter 8, Problem 26CTQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: Mechanism of acid-catalyzed and uncatalysed hydration of alkene should be compared with two reaction profiles on energy diagram below.

  

Concept introduction: Energetics of a reaction describes the energy associated with different components during the process of reaction. Energy diagram is a plot of energy along $\text{Y}$ axis and reaction coordinate along $\text{X}$ axis. Reaction proceeds when the reactant molecules collide and have proper orientation. The pathway from reactant to product involves transition state. Transition state is a hypothetical state which gives clear picture of the orientation of reactant molecules during collision that is a process of the bonds formed and broken during the reaction. Transition state is highest energy state of a reaction.