Reaction coordinate

Definition

A reaction coordinate is a parameter that represents progress along the pathway from reactants to products during a chemical reaction. It charts the energy changes that occur during the transformation, typically depicted on an energy diagram.

Related terms

Transition State:

A high-energy state through which reactants must pass on their way to becoming products, representing the highest point on an energy diagram.

Activation Energy:

The minimum amount of energy required for reactants to transform into products, analogous to the initial climb of a roller coaster.

Energy Diagram:

A graphical representation showing the energy changes that occur during a chemical reaction, with the reaction coordinate plotted against potential energy