Intermediates

[Daniel Hsiao_1L]

Given a graph that resembles one on page 88 of the course reader (shows that there are two transition states), how can you tell how many intermediates there are?

[Destiny Dare 1D]

The graph of page 88 of the course reader demonstrates an electrophilic addition. In an electrophile addition, an electrophile is added to another molecule twice (hence the two transition states). The intermediates in this case are the new electrophile and the new nucleophile that result from the first transition state. We know they are intermediates because the new electrophile will be added to the new nucleophile (making for the second transition state and resulting in one final product). Therefore, by looking at the graph and recognizing the reaction as an electrophilic addition, you should be able to tell that there are two intermediates.