What is reaction coordinate diagram?

A reaction coordinate diagram is a graphical representation that helps to visualize and understand the progress of a chemical reaction. It depicts the energy changes that occur throughout the course of a reaction as reactant molecules are transformed into product molecules.

The reaction coordinate diagram typically plots the energy of the reactants, transition state, and products along the x-axis, while the energy levels are plotted along the y-axis. The diagram provides information about the energy barrier that the reaction must overcome in order to proceed from reactants to products, as well as the overall energy change of the reaction (enthalpy).

The transition state, also known as the activated complex, is the highest energy point along the reaction coordinate and represents the point of maximum instability during the reaction. The difference in energy between the reactants and the transition state is known as the activation energy, which must be overcome for the reaction to proceed.

The reaction coordinate diagram can also provide insight into the kinetics of a reaction by revealing the rate-determining step, as well as other features such as intermediates and side reactions.

Overall, reaction coordinate diagrams are a powerful tool for visualizing and interpreting the energy changes that occur during a chemical reaction, and are commonly used in the field of physical chemistry to study reaction mechanisms and pathways.