The transition state is a high-energy, unstable state that occurs during a chemical reaction when reactants are being converted into products.
Key points:
- Energy peak: It represents the maximum energy point along the reaction path.
- Unstable and short-lived: Molecules exist in this state for an extremely short time.
- Activated complex: The transition state is sometimes called the activated complex, where bonds are partially broken and formed.
- Activation energy: The energy required to reach the transition state from reactants is the activation energy (Ea).
In short: The transition state is the “in-between” stage of a reaction where the system has the highest energy before forming products.