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A Singularity Model for Chemical Reactivity
Author(s) -
Menger Fredric M.,
Karaman Rafik
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
chemistry – a european journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.687
H-Index - 242
eISSN - 1521-3765
pISSN - 0947-6539
DOI - 10.1002/chem.200902683
Subject(s) - singularity , reactivity (psychology) , gravitational singularity , analogy , catastrophe theory , bond , mechanics , thermodynamics , physics , mathematics , geometry , philosophy , geology , mathematical analysis , economics , epistemology , geotechnical engineering , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology , finance
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.