Principle of least nuclear motion

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-009476",
  "term": "Principle of least nuclear motion",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A qualitative rule stating that chemical reactions tend to proceed in a way that involves the minimum possible change in the positions of atomic nuclei. This principle suggests that reactions with smaller structural reorganizations are kinetically favored. It is often applied to predict the preferred pathways of pericyclic reactions.",
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "activation energy"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 1134 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466051077)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/principle-of-least-nuclear-motion/"
}