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.
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077
(Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994))
on page 1081
See also:
PAC, 1993, 65, 2291
(Nomenclature of kinetic methods of analysis (IUPAC Recommendations 1993))
on page 2292
PAC, 1996, 68, 149
(A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC
Recommendations 1996))
on page 150