Question

Draw the structure for the transition state in each reaction.

a.

b.

Short answer

Answer

a.

b.

Step-by-step solution

Step-by-Step SolutionStep 1: Transition state

The imaginary short-lived state that exists between the reactants and products of a reaction i.e., a transition state partially exists as a reactant and partially as a product.

The transition state of reaction a

In the given reaction, the cleavage of the bond between the carbon and oxygen atom of the reactant species yields the products (the carbocation and water molecule).

The structure of the transition state in the given reaction is:

The transition state of reaction a

The transition state of reaction b

In the given reaction, the transition state involves the cleavage of the bond between the oxygen and hydrogen atom of the reactant (alcohol) and the formation of a bond between the hydrogen (from the alcohol) and the oxygen atom of the hydroxide group.

The structure of the transition state in the given reaction is:

The transition state of reaction b