Initiating species

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-005870",
  "term": "Initiating species",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "The active chemical entity, such as a radical, ion, or coordination complex, that reacts with the first monomer unit to begin the polymer chain growth. This species is typically generated from an initiator or catalyst. Its nature dictates the mechanism of the subsequent polymerization steps.",
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2022, 94, 1093. 'Terminology for chain polymerization (IUPAC Recommendations 2021)' on page 1122 (https://doi.org/10.1515/pac-2020-1211)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/initiating-species/"
}