Harpoon mechanism

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-005111",
  "term": "Harpoon mechanism",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A reaction mechanism in which a long-range electron transfer occurs between two species, typically an alkali metal atom and a halogen molecule, at a relatively large internuclear distance. The electron 'leaps' from the metal to the halogen, forming an ion pair that is then drawn together by electrostatic attraction. This process is common in gas-phase reactions involving highly electropositive and electronegative atoms.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "electron transfer",
    "ion pair",
    "sequence"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 2223. 'Glossary of terms used in photochemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 2245 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668122223)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/harpoon-mechanism/"
}