This is a purely hypothetical question. Consider a pair of local minimas A and B on a multi dimensional potential energy surface. Can there be two first saddle points (IE two different configurations) which would connect A and B ? If the answer is yes, does this situation happen in a physical system ? Is there any example of a reaction proceeding in this format.
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$\begingroup$ That sounds quite possible. $\endgroup$– MithoronCommented Jun 30, 2023 at 14:12
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$\begingroup$ Yes. It sounds posible. But the situation between the two saddle points is an intermediate product. $\endgroup$– MauriceCommented Jun 30, 2023 at 15:42
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$\begingroup$ I am asking about a situation where say you start an IRC scan from two transition states, they would connect the same pair of minimas. $\endgroup$– ArunCommented Jun 30, 2023 at 19:15
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$\begingroup$ By symmetry you could easily have this situation, but in general I would expect that one saddle point would be at a different height to the other and so not accessible. $\endgroup$– porphyrinCommented Jul 1, 2023 at 9:31
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$\begingroup$ @porphyrin Could you give an example (or a reference) of a reaction where you see this? In case you have come across a situation like this before before. $\endgroup$– ArunCommented Jul 1, 2023 at 11:12
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