Kaskadireaktion

Kaskadireaktion, often translated as "cascade reaction" or "domino reaction" in English, refers to a series of chemical reactions that occur sequentially, where the product of one reaction becomes the reactant for the next. This phenomenon is characterized by a self-perpetuating cycle of transformations, where a single initiating event triggers a chain of subsequent events. The term is broadly used across various scientific disciplines, though its most common application is in chemistry.

In organic chemistry, a cascade reaction involves a sequence of bond-forming or bond-breaking steps that happen in situ, meaning within the same reaction vessel, without the isolation of intermediates. This can lead to the rapid construction of complex molecules from simpler starting materials. The efficiency of cascade reactions is a significant advantage, as it reduces the number of synthetic steps, purification procedures, and waste generated, making them attractive for synthetic chemists aiming for greener and more economical processes.

The concept of cascade reactions is also relevant in other fields. For instance, in nuclear physics, a nuclear chain reaction is a type of cascade where the fission of an atomic nucleus releases neutrons that can induce further fissions. In biology, a signaling cascade is a series of biochemical events that transmit a signal from the cell surface to the cell interior, often involving a series of protein phosphorylations. Regardless of the specific context, the underlying principle remains the same: a triggering event initiates a sequential series of reactions leading to a larger, often amplified, outcome.