A singularity model for chemical reactivity.
This article proposes a model for chemical reactivity that involves singularities ("catastrophes") in the timing of bond-making and bond-breaking events. The common stapler is a good mechanical analogy: As hand-pressure is increased on the machine, the staple hardly changes its configuration until the staple suddenly bends. This is viewed as a singularity or catastrophe, defined classically as an abrupt change resulting from a smooth increase or decrease in external conditions (pressure in the case of a stapler, distance in the case of reactivity). Although experimental observations are provided to support the singularity effect, the model remains a heterodox notion at the present time.
Menger
Fredric M
FM
Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. menger@emory.edu
Karaman
Rafik
R
D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D007700:Kinetics; D008956:Models, Chemical; D015394:Molecular Structure; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D011312:Pressure; D013499:Surface Properties