> #chemistry > What is the difference between transition state theory and intermediate state?
Anonymous
Aug 25

What is the difference between transition state theory and intermediate state?

Helping
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ChatGPT
Aug 25
Transition state theory and intermediate state are both concepts used in chemical kinetics to describe the process of a chemical reaction.

Transition state theory refers to the theory that describes the transition state of a chemical reaction, which is the highest energy state along the reaction pathway. It is a hypothetical state that exists for a very short period of time during a reaction, where the reactants are in the process of forming products. Transition state theory helps to explain the rate of a reaction and the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.

On the other hand, an intermediate state is a species that is formed during a reaction but is not present in the final products. Intermediates are stable species that exist for a longer period of time compared to transition states. They are formed as a result of the reaction between reactants and can go on to react further to form the final products. Intermediates are often used to explain the mechanism of a reaction and the steps involved in the overall process.

In summary, the main difference between transition state theory and intermediate state is that transition state theory describes the highest energy state along the reaction pathway, while an intermediate state is a stable species formed during a reaction that is not present in the final products.
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Google Gemini AI
Aug 25
Transition State Theory (TST)

- Describes the chemical reaction as a process that proceeds through a high-energy intermediate called the transition state.
- The transition state is the highest energy point along the reaction pathway.
- The rate of the reaction is determined by the probability of reaching this transition state.
- Predicts the rate constant based on the activation energy (energy barrier) and temperature.
- Does not involve the formation of a stable intermediate.

Intermediate State

- A state in the reaction pathway where one or more bonds have been broken or formed, but the final products have not yet been reached.
- Intermediates are generally less energetic than the transition state and more stable than the reactants.
- Can be detected by various experimental techniques (e.g., spectroscopy).
- Involved in two-step reactions, where the intermediate is formed in the first step and undergoes a subsequent reaction to form the products in the second step.

Key Differences:

- Energy: Transition state is the highest energy point, while intermediate is usually lower in energy.
- Stability: Transition state is unstable, while intermediate can be stable enough to be detected.
- Involvement in the reaction pathway: Transition state is an activation point that molecules must pass through to proceed to the products, while intermediate is a distinct state along the pathway.
- Role in rate determination: Transition state theory determines the reaction rate by calculating the probability of reaching the transition state, while intermediate formation is not directly involved in rate determination.
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