Transition state

[sdm33]

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what does it mean that transition states are distinguished from intermediate in that , existing as they do at energy maxima, transition states do not have a finite lifetime.

I understand that at the activated complex (T.S) has a greater energy than reactants and products , but what does transition states do not have a finite lifetime?

 

[dudewheresmymd]

You can physically isolate intermediates from a reaction pathway as in you can observe them in real life, transition states can never be physically isolated from a reaction. Essentially, on a reaction diagram whenever you have a "well" (reactant, product, or intermediate) you can isolate that entity, however transition states are "hills" which can never be isolated... or in other words "they have no finite lifetime," whereas reactants, products, and intermediates do have a "finite lifetime."

 

[sdm33]

islets of Langerhans sweet

Now does that mean they don't decrease in concentration the way that reactants do

 

[dudewheresmymd]

islets of Langerhans sweet

Now does that mean they don't decrease in concentration the way that reactants do

Not sure what you mean...they don't have a concentration b/c you can't isolate them..their life time is like a couple of femtoseconds.

Yup, the locals here have a strange propensity for glucose