Term: chain length, \(\delta\)
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C00956

Definition:
In a chain reaction, the average number of times the closed cycle of reactions (involving the chain-propagating reactions) is repeated. It is equal to the rate of the overall reaction divided by the rate of the initiation reaction.

Related Terms:
1) chain reaction (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C00960).
2) chain-propagating reactions (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C00959).
3) initiation (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.I03042).

Source: PAC, 1996, 68, 149. 'A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 157 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668010149)

Citation: 'chain length, \(\delta\)' in IUPAC Compendium of Chemical Terminology, 5th ed. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; 2025. Online version 5.0.0, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C00956

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