In chemistry, a reaction mechanism is the step by step sequence of elementary reactions by which overall chemical change occurs.
Although only the net chemical change is directly observable for most chemical reactions, experiments can often be designed that suggest the possible sequence of steps in a reaction mechanism. Recently, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry has been used to corroborate the mechanism of several organic reaction proposals.
Read more about Reaction Mechanism: Description, Examples, Modeling, Molecularity
Famous quotes containing the words reaction and/or mechanism:
“The excessive increase of anything often causes a reaction in the opposite direction.”
—Plato (c. 427347 B.C.)
“Ive never known a Philadelphian who wasnt a downright character; possibly a defense mechanism resulting from the dullness of their native habitat.”
—Anita Loos (18881981)