Observing Transition States
Because of the rules of quantum mechanics, the transition state cannot be captured or directly observed; the population at that point is zero. This is sometimes expressed by stating that the transition state has a 'fleeting existence'. However, cleverly manipulated spectroscopic techniques can get us as close as the timescale of the technique will allow us. Femtochemical IR spectroscopy was developed for precisely that reason, and it is possible to probe molecular structure extremely close to the transition point. Often along the reaction coordinate reactive intermediates are present not much lower in energy from a transition state making it difficult to distinguish between the two.
Read more about this topic: Transition State
Famous quotes containing the words observing, transition and/or states:
“If we had no faults of our own, we should not take half so much satisfaction in observing those of other people.”
—François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680)
“There is not any present moment that is unconnected with some future one. The life of every man is a continued chain of incidents, each link of which hangs upon the former. The transition from cause to effect, from event to event, is often carried on by secret steps, which our foresight cannot divine, and our sagacity is unable to trace. Evil may at some future period bring forth good; and good may bring forth evil, both equally unexpected.”
—Joseph Addison (1672–1719)
“The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges, or churches, or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors, but always most in the common people.”
—Walt Whitman (1819–1892)