branching chain reaction

A chain reaction in chemistry is a process where the products of a reaction initiate further reactions of the same kind, creating a self-sustaining sequence. These reactions typically involve three stages: initiation, where a reactive intermediate is formed; propagation, where the intermediate reacts with reactants to produce more intermediates; and termination, where the reaction stops.1

A branching chain reaction is a specific type where the number of chain carriers increases with each propagation step. This leads to a very rapid acceleration of the reaction, sometimes resulting in a chemical explosion. These reactions are highly sensitive to reaction conditions and can be influenced by catalysts or inhibitors. Examples include burning fuel and polymerization.123