ABSTRACT
To the metastable states one can not apply equations of strictly equilibrium systems. The fact that the rigorous Yang-Lee mathematical theory separates metastable states from the equilibrium state of matter means that for any physically realizable metastable state, the non-equilibrium parameter should be clearly formulated. As a rule, this parameter is associated with the existence in the system of diffusion restrictions on the mixing of molecules in its volume or with the existence of high activation barriers for the realization of the chemical transformation.
