This expression refers to the reaction, with each other, of two
transient species produced from a common precursor in solution. If reaction occurs before any separation
by
diffusion has occurred, this is termed primary geminate recombination. If the mutually reactive
entities have been separated, and come together by
diffusion, this is termed secondary geminate recombination. This is illustrated in the reaction
diagram below:
Source:
PAC, 1996, 68, 149
(A glossary of terms used in chemical kinetics, including reaction dynamics (IUPAC
Recommendations 1996))
on page 166
PAC, 1994, 66, 1077
(Glossary of terms used in physical organic chemistry (IUPAC Recommendations 1994))
on page 1117