What Does KIE Stand For?

KIE stands for Kinetic Isotope Effect

Kinetic Isotope Effect (KIE) refers to the variation in reaction rates that occurs when one atom in a molecule is replaced by one of its isotopes. This phenomenon is most commonly observed in chemical reactions involving hydrogen isotopes, such as deuterium or tritium. KIE provides valuable insights into reaction mechanisms, helping to elucidate the nature of chemical bonds and transition states by highlighting the role of isotopic substitution in altering bond strengths and vibrational frequencies.