:Talk:Activated complex

I'm wondering if each instance of the word "configuration(s)" (currently 5 total) should be changed to "conformation(s)". Configurations are permanent 3D arrangements of atoms and, while they may be inter-converted over the course of a reaction, most infinitesimal changes on a potential energy surface do not produce a change in configuration. Rather, I think of those as changes in conformation. Comparing the descriptions in in Molecular configuration and Conformational isomerism lead me to a similar conclusion. Shanata (talk) 20:24, 30 April 2015 (UTC)

:Organic chemists distinguish configuration and conformation in the way you propose. But physical chemists concerned with smaller molecules tend to just use configuration for any instantaneous 3D arrangement of atoms, not necessarily permanent. The word conformation is not really used much in this context. Dirac66 (talk) 22:15, 30 April 2015 (UTC)

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