reaktionsarme

reaktionsarme is a German adjective used in chemistry and related fields to describe a substance, system, or environment that has a low tendency to undergo chemical reactions under given conditions. It denotes low reactivity relative to a reference state or to other substances in the same context. The term is often employed when absolute inertness is not claimed, but a significantly reduced reactivity is observed or desired.

The word combines reaktion (reaction) with arm (poor or low), and it is typically applied to discuss selectivity, stability, or safety. Because reaktionsarm denotes a relative condition, its meaning can vary with changes in temperature, solvent, pressure, or the presence of catalysts. In practice, a reaktionsarm environment may help minimize side reactions, improve shelf life, or enhance safety in handling reactive materials. It can also describe ligands or surfaces that render a central metal atom or surface less prone to unwanted interactions.

Common contexts include organometallic chemistry, materials science, and environmental chemistry, where researchers seek conditions or components that suppress undesired transformations. For example, coatings that resist corrosion or reagents chosen to limit off-target reactions are described as reaktionsarm relative to more reactive alternatives. The term is conceptual and qualitative, complementing more formal notions of inertness, stability, and reactivity.

See also: inert, reactivity, selectivity, passivation, stability.