Rate-determining step

Definition

In the context of the SN1 reaction in organic chemistry, the rate-determining step is the slowest step in a reaction mechanism that determines the overall rate at which the reaction proceeds. It acts as a bottleneck, limiting the speed of the entire process.

Related terms

Activation Energy: The minimum amount of energy required for reactants to undergo a specific chemical reaction.

Reaction Mechanism: A detailed description of the steps through which reactants are converted into products in a chemical reaction.

Transition State: A high-energy state during a chemical reaction through which reactants must pass before forming products