Question

Which of the following is not true for strain distortion and conformational change?

(a) Bases increases the reaction rate by increasing the nucleophilic character of the attacking group

(b) The strain in the starting material and release of that strain provides rate acceleration in chemical reactions

(c) This experiment was carried out by Westheimer and his colleagues

(d) Rate of hydrolysis of phosphate esters in two compounds was explained by this theory

I have been asked this question by my school principal while I was bunking the class.

This question is from Mechanism of Enzyme Catalysis in section Enzyme Assay & Enzyme Catalysis of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

The correct choice is (a) Bases increases the reaction rate by increasing the nucleophilic character of the attacking group

For explanation: “Bases increases the reaction rate by increasing the nucleophilic character of the attacking group.” This is true for acid base catalysis. The statements which are true for strain distortion and conformational change are as follows:

• The strain in the starting material and release of that strain provides rate acceleration in chemical reactions.

• This experiment was carried out by Westheimer and his colleagues.

• Rate of hydrolysis of phosphate esters in two compounds was explained by this theory. The ring opening of cyclic example on hydrolysis has relative rate of 10^8 fold faster than acyclic example.