Term: irreversible transition
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.I03258

Definition:
A transition that changes the state of a system which cannot be readily reversed to restore the system to its original state. Example: The conversion of TiO2 (anatase) to TiO2 (rutile).

Source: PAC, 1994, 66, 577. 'Definitions of terms relating to phase transitions of the solid state (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 584 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466030577)

Citation: 'irreversible transition' 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.I03258

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