
Organic Reaction Mechanisms
Organic reaction mechanisms describe the step-by-step processes by which atoms in molecules reorganize during chemical reactions. They illustrate how bonds break and form, showing the movement of electrons that drive the transformation from reactants to products. Understanding these mechanisms helps chemists predict the outcomes of reactions and design new ones. Think of it as a detailed map of a reaction pathway, detailing the intermediate steps and electron shifts, providing insight into how and why reactions occur the way they do at a molecular level.