fragmentation

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.F02506
  1. The @H02809@ cleavage of a molecule according to the general reaction:
    F02506-1.png
    where a-b is an @E01965@ and X is a @N04246@ (which may emerge from the reaction in combined form), and the middle group affords the unsaturated fragment c=d. For example,
    F02506-2.png
  2. The breakdown of a @R05066@ into a @D01668@ molecule or ion and a smaller radical, e.g.
    F02506-3.png
    F02506-4.png
  3. The breakdown of a @R05073@ in a @M03732@ or in solution, forming an ion of lower molar mass and a radical, e.g.
    F02506-5.png
See also:
fragmentation reaction (in mass spectrometry)
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. (Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)) on page 1116 [Terms] [Paper]