Transition state theory

Reaction coordinate, transition state. via Wikipedia

Target

For a reaction , the reaction speed is given by

we want to know the reaction speed constant as a function of .

Assumption

Transition state theory assumes at steady state, there is a complex will reach equilibrium with reactant and .

Derivation

From equilibrium condition

And the rate for product is generation is determined by the speed which decomposes

And assume .

Then we have the following derivation:

Then we have