Lõppemisreaktsioonide

Lõppemisreaktsioonide, often translated as termination reactions, are a critical phase in chain reactions. These reactions are responsible for the cessation of the chain process by combining reactive intermediates. In many free radical polymerizations, for instance, termination occurs when two growing polymer chains encounter each other and their radical ends combine. This can lead to the formation of a single, longer polymer chain or disproportionation, where a hydrogen atom is transferred from one radical to another, resulting in two stable, non-radical polymer chains. In some chemical systems, termination can also involve reactions with inhibitors or impurities present in the reaction mixture, which scavenge the reactive intermediates and prevent further chain propagation. The rate of termination is a crucial factor in controlling the overall reaction rate and the molecular weight of the products. Understanding and controlling lõppemisreaktsioonide is essential for optimizing chemical processes and achieving desired product characteristics.