An intermediate structure formed in the conversion of reactants to products. The activated complex is the structure at the maximum energy point along the reaction path; the activation energy is the di [..]

An activated complex is any chemical species formed from the collision of energetic particles which is capable of reacting to form intermediates or products.Return to the Chemistry Glossary Index

The highest free energy state of a complex in going from reactants to products.

Highest point or peak on an energy diagram; represents the highest energy point between the reactant's and product's transition state (Lesson 12)

An activated complex, often characterized by the superscript , is defined as that assembly of atoms which corresponds to an arbitrary infinitesimally small region at or near the col (saddle point) of a potential energy surface. See also transition state

an unstable combination of reacting molecules that is intermediate between reactants and products.

The molecular assembly that corresponds to the transition state of a chemical reaction.

A collection of intermediate structures in a chemical reaction. During the course of the reaction, groups of atoms may pass through a range of transient configurations, not all of which will progress from reactants to products. The one configuration with the highest potential energy that can proceed to form products is termed the transition state. [..]

<chemistry> State of highest energy during a reaction. When reactants form the activated complex, bond breaking and bond formation is occurring. Synonyms: transition state. (09 Jan 1998)