Chain Reaction
A self-sustaining reaction sequence in which a reactive intermediate regenerates itself at each cycle.
Formula / equation
initiation → propagation → termination
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
A single initiation event can lead to thousands of product molecules before termination occurs, giving very high quantum yields for photochemical chains. The kinetics are often fractional order, and the reaction is highly sensitive to trace inhibitors that scavenge the chain carriers.
Examples in the real world
The chlorination of methane under UV light; polymerisation of ethene; combustion of hydrocarbons.