Least motion principle

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-006502",
  "term": "Least motion principle",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A principle in organic chemistry suggesting that chemical reactions tend to proceed via pathways that involve the minimum possible change in atomic positions and bond angles. This implies that reactions prefer to maintain the existing molecular configuration as much as possible during the transformation. It is a qualitative guide for predicting reaction mechanisms.",
  "synonyms": [
    "principle of least motion"
  ],
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "configuration"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1999, 71, 1919. 'Glossary of terms used in theoretical organic chemistry' on page 1949 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199971101919)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/least-motion-principle/"
}