Chain branching

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-001832",
  "term": "Chain branching",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A process in a chain reaction where a reactive intermediate (a chain carrier) reacts to produce more than one new chain carrier. This leads to an increase in the number of active species, accelerating the overall reaction rate. Chain branching is characteristic of explosive reactions and combustion processes.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "chain carrier",
    "chain reaction",
    "chain-propagating reaction",
    "degenerate chain branching"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 149. 'A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 156 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668010149)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/chain-branching/"
}