Encounter

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-003879",
  "term": "Encounter",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The event in which two or more reactant molecules come into close proximity within a solvent cage, allowing for potential interaction or reaction. This initial step precedes the actual chemical transformation in solution-phase reactions. The frequency of encounters is influenced by diffusion rates and solvent viscosity.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "cage effect",
    "reactant"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 149. 'A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 163 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668010149)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/encounter/"
}