Mechanism

Definition

In organic chemistry, a mechanism is a detailed step-by-step description of how an organic reaction occurs, highlighting the breaking and formation of bonds along with the intermediate states. It explains the pathway from reactants to products, including all the transient species formed during the reaction.

Related terms

Transition State:

The highest energy state during a chemical reaction that represents the point at which old bonds are partially broken and new bonds are partially formed.

Intermediate:

A short-lived species that appears in the course of a reaction between the starting material and the final product.

Activation Energy:

The minimum amount of energy required for reactants to transform into products during a chemical reaction