Criterion of minimum state density in the transition state theory of bimolecular reactions

Bruce C. Garrett, Donald G Truhlar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

578 Scopus citations

Abstract

We discuss two minimum-density-of-states criteria for the location of generalized transition states for chemical reactions. One is due to Bunker and Pattengill; the other is due to Wong and Marcus. We prove that both provide upper bounds on the exact classical equilibrium rate constant. In addition, we show that for several-dimensional systems both methods are exact at threshold, and in the limit of an infinite number of dimensions they agree with the variational theory of reactions of Wigner, Horiuti, and Keck. However, it is also shown that for a finite number of degrees of freedom both methods yield rate constants which are only as accurate as or less accurate than rate constants given by the variational theory of reactions. We note that, where tested by others for actual systems, the differences of the results obtained with the variational and Bunker-Pattengill criteria have been minor.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1593-1598
Number of pages6
JournalThe Journal of chemical physics
Volume70
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1979

Bibliographical note

Copyright:
Copyright 2017 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Criterion of minimum state density in the transition state theory of bimolecular reactions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this