Chemistry
Reaction Pathway
Quick fact
Many reactions don't happen in one giant leap—they can require two, ten, or even dozens of tiny steps, each with its own temporary molecule (intermediate) that exists for only a fraction of a second.
Why this is interesting
You’ve seen a substance burn or a tablet fizz—but what happens at the molecular level between start and finish? Like a journey with multiple stops, every chemical reaction follows a specific route called a reaction pathway.