Kaskadreaktion

Kaskadreaktion, often translated as cascade reaction or chain reaction, refers to a sequence of chemical or nuclear events where each event triggers the next in a self-sustaining or escalating manner. In chemistry, a cascade reaction involves a series of transformations occurring in a single pot without the isolation of intermediates. This can involve a molecule undergoing multiple reactions sequentially due to the presence of specific functional groups and reagents. Such reactions are highly efficient, minimizing waste and saving time by avoiding separate purification steps. They are a cornerstone of organic synthesis, enabling the construction of complex molecular architectures from simpler precursors.

In nuclear physics, a kaskadreaktion describes the process in which a single nuclear fission event releases neutrons that can then induce further fission events in other fissile nuclei. This leads to a rapid increase in the number of fissions, potentially resulting in a nuclear chain reaction. If the reaction is controlled, as in a nuclear reactor, it can generate power. If uncontrolled, as in a nuclear weapon, it leads to an explosive release of energy. The concept is also applied metaphorically in other fields, such as economics or social sciences, to describe phenomena where an initial event triggers a series of subsequent, often amplified, effects.