It is now generally recognized that the processes involved in a chemical reaction are frequently not as simple as the stoichiometric equation would indicate, but consist rather of a series of elementary reactions of simple order; the over-all reaction observed is the net effect of the several elementary stages. A knowledge of these elementary reactions is therefore essential in the elucidation of the over-all reaction mechanism. Very often these elementary steps are reactions which involve free atoms or free radicals, entities which have only a transitory existence, but which nevertheless play an essential part in the course of the reaction.

Winkler, C. (Supervisor)