Term: minimum density of states criterion
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.M03930

Definition:
This is a criterion used in Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus (RRKM) theory for locating the transition state. The reaction coordinate r at the transition state, according to this criterion, is given by ∂(Nɛr)/∂r = 0, where N ɛ r is the density of states at an internal energy ɛr.

Related Terms:
1) rice–ramsperger–kassel–marcus (rrkm) theory (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05391).
2) transition state (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.T06468).
3) reaction coordinate (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05168).
4) internal energy (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.I03103).

Source: PAC, 1996, 68, 149. 'A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 174 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668010149)

Citation: 'minimum density of states criterion' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.M03930

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