Question

What names apply to chemical species corresponding to locations $1$ and $2$ on this reaction coordinate diagram?
Location $1$ Location $2$

• A. Activated complex Activated complex
• B. Reaction intermediate Activated complex
• C. Activated complex Intermediate
• D. Reaction intermediate Intermediate

Answer 1

The correct option is B Reaction intermediate Activated complex

In the potential energy curve, the transition state lies at the maxima whereas reaction intermediate lies at the minima. This is because a transition state (activated complex) is short-lived and hence has high energy. On the other hand, an intermediate can be stable and sometimes can be isolated, due to which it has less energy.