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.

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