encounter complex

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.E02087
A complex of molecular entities produced at an encounter-controlled rate, and which occurs as an intermediate in a reaction mechanism. When the complex is formed from two molecular entities it is called an 'encounter pair'. A distinction between encounter pairs and (larger) encounter complexes may be relevant in some cases, e.g. for mechanisms involving pre-association.
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 1112 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466051077)
See also:
PAC, 1996, 68, 2223. 'Glossary of terms used in photochemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 2239 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668122223)