This term is sometimes applied to an
elementary reaction which proceeds via an intermediate species having a
lifetime longer than a few rotational periods, in contrast to a
direct reaction. However, in view of the danger of confusion with a reaction occurring in more than one step (a
composite reaction ) this usage is not to be recommended; it is better to use the terms complex-
mode mechanism or
complex-mode reaction.
Source:
PAC, 1996, 68, 149
(A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996))
on page 160
Cite as:
IUPAC. Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 2nd ed. (the "Gold Book"). Compiled by A. D. McNaught and A. Wilkinson. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford (1997). XML on-line corrected version: http://goldbook.iupac.org (2006-) created by M. Nic, J. Jirat, B. Kosata; updates compiled by A. Jenkins. ISBN 0-9678550-9-8.
doi:10.1351/goldbook.
