An activated complex, often characterized by the superscript ‡, is defined as that assembly of atoms which corresponds to an arbitrary infinitesimally small region at or near the col (saddle point) of a potential energy surface.
See also: transition state
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 1081 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466051077)
See also:
PAC, 1993, 65, 2291. 'Nomenclature of kinetic methods of analysis (IUPAC Recommendations 1993)' on page 2292 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199365102291)
PAC, 1996, 68, 149. 'A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 150 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668010149)