Reaction Kinetics and Rate Theory

Reaction Rate Theory and Kinetics A. The Transition State Theory 

In theoretical kinetics today there are still no serious competitors to the transition state theory of Eyring and co-workers (Glasstone et al., 1941). In its most stringent sense it applies only to simple homogeneous gas reactions. The treatment of simple reactions in solution requires additional knowledge of the properties of liquids, and the theory becomes less rigorous and less fundamental. In the extension 

In applying this theory to enzyme kinetics, one should be careful with explanations of the activation quantities found. Generally, these will be averaged quantities which in most cases have lost their character as single-step quantities. These aspects will be treated more fully in later sections. 

However, there is no doubt that the activation quantities found are important for classifying purposes and as measures of temperature and pressure effects. 

According to the theory, a chemical reaction proceeds via a transition state X. A general, simple reaction is 

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