Question

The highest peak in the energy profile diagram for mechanism of alkaline hydrolysis of tertiary butyl bromide represents

• A. Transition state of 1st step
• B. Formation of carbocation
• C. Transition state of 2nd step
• D. Products

Hint:

In an \(\mathrm{S_N1}\) reaction, the formation of carbocation is the slowest step and has the highest energy barrier.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Identify the reaction mechanism.
Alkaline hydrolysis of tertiary butyl bromide follows an \(\mathrm{S_N1}\) mechanism.

Step 2: Rate-determining step.
The first step involves the ionisation of tertiary butyl bromide to form a carbocation. This step is slow and requires maximum activation energy.

Step 3: Energy profile interpretation.
The highest peak in an energy profile corresponds to the transition state of the rate-determining step.

Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, the highest peak represents the transition state of the first step.