Term: labile
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.L03432

Definition:
The term has loosely been used to describe a relatively unstable and transient chemical species or (less commonly) a relatively stable but reactive species. It must therefore not be used without explanation of the intended meaning.

Related Terms:
1) inert (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.I03026).
2) persistent (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.P04516).
3) reactive (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05180).
4) unreactive (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.U06567).
5) unstable (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.U06569).
6) transient chemical species (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.T06451).
7) stable (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.S05900).

Source: PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. 'Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)' on page 1134 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199466051077)

Citation: 'labile' 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.L03432

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