Using the Transition State Theory to understand catalysis and isotope effectsUsing the Transition State Theory to understand catalysis and isotope effects
Consider a model reaction of A+B⇌AB. We studied how equilibrium statistical thermodynamics can be used to make
highly accurate estimates of equilibrium constants for chemical reactions, where our equilibrium constant

K=qAB/ qAqB eβΔᴰ

is defined in terms of a ratio of partition functions of reactants and products. Transition State Theory (TST) uses concepts
from equilibrium statistical thermodynamics to make accurate estimates of absolute reaction rate constants, where our rate
constant for forward reaction

kᵀˢᵀkBT/h /bar (q)AB‡ AB/qₐᵩ eβΔᴰ‡