Explanations regarding the thermodynamic favorability of steps often used kinetic arguments with 37% and 24% from cohorts 1 and 2 using rate-determining step, rate of reaction, and leaving group ability as part of their explanations. Hydroxide being a poor leaving group was a central argument for explaining why step 5 is thermodynamically less favored. In example, "OH is not a good leaving group, but it is kicked out to make the more favorable conjugate ketone compound."