Catalyst precursor

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-001709",
  "term": "Catalyst precursor",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A compound that is converted into a catalytically active species under the conditions of a polymerization reaction. This transformation into the active catalyst occurs in situ, often through reaction with a co-catalyst or activator, or by thermal or photochemical means. Unlike a pre-formed catalyst, the precursor requires an activation step before it can initiate or propagate polymer chains.",
  "synonyms": [
    "initiator (in coordination polymerization)",
    "precatalyst (in coordination polymerization)"
  ],
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "coordination polymerization",
    "initialization"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2022, 94, 1093. 'Terminology for chain polymerization (IUPAC Recommendations 2021)' on page 1116 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2020-1211)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/catalyst-precursor/"
}