Question

Is steady state approximation used in transition state theory? And if you think yes, what is an intermediate product?

Answer 1

Steady state approximation is used to derive rate equations for reactions which proceed through the formation of intermediates. Here the assumption is that as soon as an intermediate is produced during the course of a reaction, it is consumed. The concentration of the intermediate is constant during the course of the reaction.

The transtion state theory involves the formation of an energetically very unstable and transient activaled state known as transition state. It is almost quiet impossible to experimentally transition state because of its very transient nature and hence iyt is not involved in the rate law of the reaction. So, steady state approximation is not used in transition state theory.