Transition State Theory Molecular Nature of the Activated Complex

Transition State Theory Molecular Nature of the Activated Complex 

Collision theory is a simple, easy-to-visualize model, but it provides no insight about why the activation energy is needed and how the activated molecules look. To understand these aspects of the process, we turn to transition state theory, which focuses on the high-energy species that forms through an effective collision. 

Consider the reaction between methyl bromide and hydroxide ion  

CHsBr and OH . A plot of potential energy vs. reaction progress density relief maps, structural formulas, and molecular-scale views deshows the relative energy levels of reactants, products, and transition pict the change at five points. Note the gradual bond forming and bond 

CHAPTER 16 Kinetics Rates and Mechanisms of Chemical Reactions 

Reactants Before transition state Transition state After transition state Products 

CHAPTER 16 Kinetics Rotes end Mechanisms of Chemical Reoctions 

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