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Transition State Theory

Explains reaction rates based on the energy and structure of the transition state, a high-energy intermediate in the reaction pathway.

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The statement of the theorem

Define the rate constant

k

using the Eyring equation, which relates the rate to the free energy of activation

\Delta G^{\ddagger}

k = \frac{k_B T}{h} e^{-\Delta G^{\ddagger}/RT}

where

k_B

is the Boltzmann constant,

h

is Planck's constant,

T

is the absolute temperature, and

\Delta G^{\ddagger}

is the standard free energy change for forming the transition state.