Abstract “Activated molecule”is introduced in various related Chinese chemistry textbooks as a well-known scientific concept.While there is no such a concept in some classic foreign chemistry textbooks, which reveals difference and divergence in treatments of related concept in chemical reaction rate theory between the fields of chemical education at home and abroad.In this work, the concept of “activated molecule” is overviewed by reviewing key historic articles including its formation as well as the evolution during the development of chemical reaction rate theory.It points out that the concept of “activated molecule” has stepped down from the stage of chemical reaction rate theory. Therefore, the concept of “activated molecule” exhibits only historical value instead of scientific value in textbooks.
ZHENG Chao**. Historical Analysis on the Role of the Concept of Activated Molecules in Chemical Textbooks[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Education, 2021, 42(8): 99-104.
