Fragmentation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-004639",
  "term": "Fragmentation",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The process in which a molecule breaks down into two or more smaller pieces, which may be ions, radicals, or neutral molecules. This decomposition occurs either spontaneously or upon the input of energy, such as through collision, heat, or absorption of light. In mass spectrometry, the fragmentation of a molecular ion into a characteristic pattern of fragment ions is a primary method for determining the structure of the original molecule.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "diamagnetic",
    "electrofuge",
    "fragmentation reaction",
    "heterolysis",
    "mass spectrometer",
    "nucleofuge",
    "radical",
    "radical ion"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 1116 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466051077)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/fragmentation/"
}