What is the Difference Between Coupled and Uncoupled Reaction?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between coupled and uncoupled reactions lies in the energy transfer process. Here are the key distinctions:
- Coupled Reactions:
- Involve energy transfer between two or more reactions.
- Endergonic (non-spontaneous) reactions are coupled with exergonic (spontaneous) reactions to make them progress.
- The overall Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) of the coupled reaction is the sum of the individual ΔG values of the constituent reactions.
- A common example is the formation of sucrose from glucose and fructose, where the reaction requires an input of energy.
- Uncoupled Reactions:
- Have no intermediate state for energy transfer.
- Occur independently, without the influence of other reactions.
- An example is the uncoupled reaction where glucose and fructose combine to form sucrose, which is thermodynamically unfavorable (requires energy).
In summary, coupled reactions involve energy transfer between multiple reactions, making non-spontaneous reactions progress, while uncoupled reactions occur independently without energy transfer.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Coupled and Uncoupled Reaction? Comparative Table: Coupled vs Uncoupled Reaction
Comparative Table: Coupled vs Uncoupled Reaction
Here is a table comparing coupled and uncoupled reactions:
| Feature | Coupled Reactions | Uncoupled Reactions |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Chemical reactions where energy is transferred from one reaction to another, making non-spontaneous reactions spontaneous. | Chemical reactions with no intermediate state for energy transfer, requiring an external energy source to occur. |
| Energy | Energy is shared between two or more reactions, making them spontaneous. | Requires energy from the external environment to occur, as the reactions have a positive Gibbs free energy (ΔG > 0). |
| Examples | Formation of ATP, which is endergonic and coupled to the dissipation of a proton gradient. | Combination reaction of glucose and fructose to form sucrose, which is thermodynamically unfavorable and requires ATP hydrolysis to occur. |
| Application | Common in biological systems, where enzyme-catalyzed reactions can be spontaneous and non-spontaneous. | Less common in biological systems, as most reactions are coupled with ATP hydrolysis to drive them forward. |
Coupled reactions are chemical reactions where energy is transferred from one reaction to another, making non-spontaneous reactions spontaneous. In contrast, uncoupled reactions have no intermediate state for energy transfer and require an external energy source to occur.
Read more:
- Catalytic vs Non Catalytic Reaction
- Coupling vs Repulsion
- Unimolecular vs Bimolecular Reactions
- Spontaneous vs Nonspontaneous Reactions
- Synthesis Reaction vs Dissociation Reaction
- Coupling vs Cohesion
- Single Displacement vs Double Displacement Reaction
- Electrocyclic vs Cycloaddition Reaction
- Combination vs Decomposition Reaction
- Homogeneous vs Heterogeneous Reactions
- Nuclear Reaction vs Chemical Reaction
- Controlled vs Uncontrolled Chain Reaction
- Elementary vs Non Elementary Reaction
- Elementary vs Complex Reaction
- Chemical vs Physical Reaction
- First vs Second Order Reactions
- Endothermic vs Exothermic Reactions
- Reactants vs Products
- Chemical Shift vs Coupling Constant