Chemical decomposition

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-001941",
  "term": "Chemical decomposition",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The breakdown of a single chemical entity, such as a molecule, complex, or ion, into two or more smaller, simpler fragments. This process is the reverse of chemical synthesis and can be initiated by heat (thermolysis), light (photolysis), electricity (electrolysis), or reaction with another chemical. For example, the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate at temperatures above 840°C yields calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "intermediate"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 1104 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466051077)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/chemical-decomposition/"
}