Different Means of Stabilizing Transition States

Dr. Jakubowski's Methods of Catalysis is a lesson on different ways by which catalysts can stabilize transition states. Catalysis can occur when the activation energy for catalyzed reactions is lowered. Jakubowski delineates five catalytic approaches. They are:

* Acid/base catalysis

* Electrostatic or metal ion catalysis

* Covalent or nucleophilic catalysis

* Intramolecular catalysis

* Transition state stabilization

"Catalysts work by providing an (alternative) mechanism involving a different transition state and lower activation energy."1


1. Wikipedia (Catalysis).