Bond dissociation energy, D

Definition

Bond dissociation energy is the amount of energy required to break a bond between two atoms in a molecule into two separate, radical species. It is measured in kilojoules per mole (kJ/mol) and varies depending on the type of bond and the molecules involved.

Related terms

Activation Energy:

The minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to proceed.

Chemical Bond:

A lasting attraction between atoms that enables the formation of chemical compounds.

Radical:

An atom, molecule, or ion that has unpaired valence electrons, making it highly reactive