Term: core atom
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.C01341

Definition:
The primary reference atom in a mechanistic change; usually either of the two atoms of a transformed multiple bond or the single atom at which substitution occurs.

Related Terms:
1) reference atom (<em>in organic reaction mechanisms</em>) (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05227).

Source: PAC, 1989, 61, 23. 'System for symbolic representation of reaction mechanisms (Recommendations 1988)' on page 55 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac198961010023)

Citation: 'core atom' 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.C01341

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