Re: What is the difference between turnover number and turnover frequency

Hi Sam,

I think the answer here is simple. Turnover frequency is just another term with the same meaning as turnover number (see, http://old.iupac.org/goldbook/T06534.pdf). That link says, "Turnover frequency (in catalysis); commonly called the turnover number, N, and defined, as in enzyme catalysis, as molecules reacting per active site in unit time."

I think turnover frequency is a term used more with non-enzymatic catalysis, but it has the same technical meaning as turnover number, which is used mainly for enzymatic catalysis.

Alex Tobias (McGill alum)