Term: nucleation
https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.N04243

Definition:
The process by which nuclei are formed in solution. The condensation of a single chemical compound is called homogeneous nucleation. The simultaneous condensation of more than one compound is called simultaneous nucleation. The condensation of a compound on a foreign substance is called heterogeneous nucleation.

Related Terms:
1) homogeneous nucleation (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.H02848).
2) heterogeneous nucleation (http://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.H02807).

Source: Orange Book, 2nd ed., p. 84 (https://media.iupac.org/publications/analytical_compendium/)

Citation: 'nucleation' 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.N04243

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