What is the Role of Vibrational Excited States in Reaction Mechanisms?
In reaction mechanisms, vibrational excited states can play a crucial role by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to occur. When molecules are in an excited state, they have higher internal energy, which can make it easier for them to overcome the energy barrier. This can lead to increased reaction rates. In addition, vibrational energy can also influence the direction and selectivity of a reaction, making it possible to produce desired products more efficiently.