A chemical degradation reaction that is caused by thermal energy. The term pyrolysis generally refers to an
inert environment.
Source:
PAC, 1993, 65, 2405
(Nomenclature and terminology for analytical pyrolysis (IUPAC Recommendations 1993))
on page 2407
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077
(Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994))
on page 1154