Rate-controlling step

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-009948",
  "term": "Rate-controlling step",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A step in a multi-step reaction mechanism that significantly influences the overall rate of the reaction. While not necessarily the slowest step, it is the one whose rate constant has the greatest impact on the observed reaction rate. Modifying this step can effectively alter the reaction's speed.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "Gibbs energy diagram",
    "composite reaction",
    "elementary reaction",
    "equilibrium constant",
    "kinetic isotope effect",
    "microscopic diffusion control",
    "mixing control",
    "order of reaction",
    "rate of reaction",
    "rate-determining step",
    "sequence",
    "steady state"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 1156 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466051077)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/rate-controlling-step/"
}