peripheral atom

in organic reaction mechanisms
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04497
A secondary reference (non-core) atom which at some point in the mechanistic sequence is situated in the molecule containing the core atom(s).
Source:
PAC, 1989, 61, 23. 'System for symbolic representation of reaction mechanisms (Recommendations 1988)' on page 27 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac198961010023)