Chain Reaction

A chain reaction is a type of chemical reaction characterized by a series of linked events that unfold through the formation and consumption of a reactive intermediate. Typically, this intermediate is a highly reactive species, such as a free radical or another highly reactive intermediate, which initiates a cascade of reactions.
The process involves three primary stages: initiation, propagation, and termination. The initiation step sets the reaction in motion, generating the reactive intermediate that drives the subsequent steps. During the propagation stage, the reactive intermediate is regenerated through a series of chemical transformations. However, this process is eventually terminated when the reactive intermediate is fully consumed or reacts with another molecule without being reformed.