multi-centre reaction [obsolete]

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.M04043
A synonym for
pericyclic reaction
. The number of 'centres' is the number of atoms not bonded initially, between which single bonds are breaking or new bonds are formed in the
transition state
. This number does not necessarily correspond to the ring size of the
transition state
for the
pericyclic reaction
. Thus, a Diels–Alder reaction is a 'four-centre reaction'. This terminology has largely been superseded by the more detailed one developed for the various pericyclic reactions.
See:
cycloaddition
,
pericyclic reaction
,
sigmatropic rearrangement
,
transition state
Source:
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077. (Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994)) on page 1144 [Terms] [Paper]