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Transition state

Definition

In organic chemistry, the transition state is a high-energy, temporary condition where reactants are transformed into products during a chemical reaction. It represents the point of maximum energy on the energy diagram before the formation of products.

Analogy

Imagine climbing a hill to slide down a slide; at the top of the hill (the highest point), you're in a state of anticipation and readiness to glide down. This peak moment is like the transition state in a chemical reaction, where molecules are ready to transform and release energy as they move towards product formation.

Related terms

Activation Energy: The minimum amount of energy required for reactants to transform into products in a chemical reaction.

Energy Diagram: A graphical representation showing the energy changes that occur during a chemical reaction from reactants to products.

Catalyst: A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed, often by lowering the activation energy needed to reach the transition state