CHAPTER 5 Helpful Hints
- A rate-limiting step is the step of a multi-step reaction
with transition state of highest energy. Reacting molecules must
have kinetic energy equal to, or greater than, this energy in
order to overcome this potential energy barried and be converted
all the way to products.
- Organic reactions are generally of two flavors: The common
polar reactions (pairs of electrons taking part in bond breaking,
making) and the less-common radical reactions (unpaired electrons
and homolytic bond breaking, making).
- Reactions are like crimes, they need motive (Delta G <
0) and opportunity (reasonable mechanism with a low or moderate
activation energy).
- In general, reactions are favored (have a motive) if stronger
bonds are formed than are broken (Delta H < 0), and/or more
molecules are made than consumed (Delta S > 0).