Elementary Step

Definition

An elementary step is a single step in a reaction mechanism that represents the collision and interaction of reactant particles. Each elementary step has its own rate constant and molecularity.

Related terms

Reaction Mechanism:

The sequence of elementary steps that make up a chemical reaction.

Intermediate:

A species that forms during an intermediate step but is consumed in subsequent steps.

Transition State:

The high-energy state that occurs during an intermediate step where bonds are breaking and forming.