atom–molecule complex mechanism

A mechanism that sometimes applies to the combination of atoms, but rarely of free radicals. In this mechanism the atom A first combines with a third body or chaperon,
A00510-1,
and the complex AM then forms A2 + M by collision with another atom A.
Contrast the energy-transfer mechanism.
Source:
PAC, 1996, 68, 149 (A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)) on page 153