Factors Affecting Reaction Mechanisms and Pathways
Introduction to Reaction Mechanisms
Understanding reaction mechanisms is a foundational aspect of organic chemistry, as it provides insight into the intricate processes that dictate how reactants transform into products. A reaction mechanism details the individual steps involved in a chemical reaction, including the formation and rearrangement of bonds, and the generation of various intermediates. This elucidation not only allows chemists to predict the outcome of reactions but also to manipulate conditions for desired shifts in reaction pathways.