Cage effect

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-001566",
  "term": "Cage effect",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The phenomenon where a pair of reactive species, formed within a solvent, are temporarily trapped together by the surrounding solvent molecules, increasing the probability of their recombination or reaction. This confinement enhances the likelihood of repeated encounters between the species before they can diffuse apart. The cage effect is particularly relevant in solution-phase radical reactions.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "cage",
    "encounter",
    "reactant"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 149. 'A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 155 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668010149)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/cage-effect/"
}