Coupled reactions

Definition

Coupled reactions in organic chemistry involve two or more reactions occurring simultaneously, where one reaction releases energy and the other uses that energy to proceed. These are pivotal in metabolic pathways for transferring energy from one form to another efficiently.

Related terms

Gibbs Free Energy:

The difference in the Gibbs free energy between reactants and products determines whether a chemical reaction is energetically favorable.

Enzymes:

Biological molecules that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in metabolic pathways without being consumed in the process.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate):

A high-energy molecule used as the main energy currency in cells, often involved in providing energy for coupled reactions