Initiator

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-005872",
  "term": "Initiator",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A substance that can produce reactive species, such as free radicals, to start a chain reaction. Unlike a catalyst, the initiator is consumed during the reaction. In polymerization, for instance, compounds like benzoyl peroxide or azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) decompose upon heating or irradiation to form radicals that initiate the process.",
  "subject": "Physical and Biophysical Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "initiation"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1976, 46, 71. 'Manual of Symbols and Terminology for Physicochemical Quantities and Units - Appendix II. Definitions, Terminology and Symbols in Colloid and Surface Chemistry. Part II: Heterogeneous Catalysis' on page 74 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac197646010071)",
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 149. 'A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 170 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668010149)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/initiator/"
}