Encounter complex

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-003880",
  "term": "Encounter complex",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A transient, non-covalently bound aggregate formed when two reactive species diffuse together in solution. This complex exists for a very short duration before either dissociating back into reactants or proceeding to form a more stable product. Its formation is often the rate-determining step in diffusion-controlled reactions.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "complex",
    "encounter",
    "encounter-controlled rate",
    "molecular entity",
    "pre-association",
    "mechanism"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 1112 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466051077)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/encounter-complex/"
}