Iniciadora

Iniciadora is the feminine noun form of iniciador and is used in Spanish to designate someone or something that initiates or starts a process, action, or event. It can refer to a person who begins a project, campaign, or movement, often highlighting the role of origin or motivation. The masculine counterpart is iniciador, and both forms describe the agent of initiation.

In chemistry and related sciences, an iniciadora (often called a radical initiator in English) is a substance that starts a chemical reaction, such as a polymerization. Initiators generate reactive intermediates, like free radicals, that propagate chain reactions. They are selected based on the desired activation method (thermal or photochemical) and the operating temperature. Common examples include organic peroxides and azo compounds, such as benzoyl peroxide and various azo-initiators. The choice of iniciadora influences reaction rate, molecular weight, and polymer architecture.

Beyond science, the term is used more broadly to denote a person who triggers or launches an action, project, or policy, emphasizing the initiating role rather than the subsequent execution. In this sense, an iniciadora can be described as a founder, originator, or catalyst of a certain initiative or movement.

Etymology: the word comes from iniciar, with the feminine agent suffix -adora, aligning with other Spanish feminine occupational nouns. See also iniciador.