Question

In solution, why do hydrolysis reactions occur more readily than condensation reactions?

A) Hydrolysis increases entropy and is exergonic.
B) Hydrolysis raises G, or Gibbs free energy.
C) Hydrolysis decreases entropy and is exergonic.
D) Hydrolysis increases entropy and is endergonic.

Answer 1

The answer is; A

Hydrolysis reaction involves breaking up of bonds hence longer chain are broke down into small chains. This is entropy – which is the progress towards disorder. The breaking of bonds is an exergonic reaction because the free energy of the bonds is released into the environment. An exergonic reaction is also spontaneous.