Question

Consider two related reactions with the following Gibbs free energy profiles. In Reaction (A), the reactant has four energetically similar conformers, while in Reaction (B) there is only 1 predominant reactant conformer. In each case, the lowest energy reactant (R) and product (P) conformers are indicated by a red circle. Which of the following statement is true about the equilibrium constants [P]/[R] for the two reactions?

a. Reaction A would have a larger equilibrium constant because the reactant state is characterised by a higher conformational entropy.

b. Reaction A would have a smaller equilibrium constant because the product state is characterised by a higher conformational entropy.

c. Reaction B would have a larger equilibrium constant because the reactant state is characterised by a lower conformational entropy.

d. Reaction B would have a smaller equilibrium constant because the product state is characterised by a lower conformational entropy.

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