Külgreaktsioon

Külgreaktsioon, meaning "side reaction" in Estonian, refers to any unintended chemical reaction that occurs alongside the main desired reaction in a chemical process. These side reactions consume reactants that would otherwise be used in the primary transformation, leading to a decrease in the yield of the target product. They can also produce unwanted byproducts that may be difficult to separate from the desired substance, increasing purification costs and potentially creating waste disposal issues.

The occurrence and significance of side reactions depend on various factors, including the nature of the reactants, the reaction conditions (temperature, pressure, catalysts, solvents), and the presence of impurities. For example, in organic synthesis, a functional group might undergo an undesired transformation due to the presence of a strong acid or base, or it might react with a solvent molecule. In industrial chemistry, controlling side reactions is crucial for optimizing efficiency and profitability. Chemists and chemical engineers employ strategies such as careful selection of reaction conditions, the use of specific catalysts, and precise control over reactant addition rates to minimize these unwanted processes. Understanding the mechanisms of potential side reactions is key to designing effective synthetic routes and preventing their formation.