Reaction mechanism refers to the detailed step-by-step process that describes how a chemical reaction occurs. Synonyms for this term include reaction pathway, reaction sequence, reaction process, chemical kinetics, and reaction mechanism pathway. All of these terms describe the same basic concept and are often used interchangeably in scientific research. Understanding the reaction mechanism is essential in helping chemists and researchers to predict the behavior of chemical reactions, design new catalysts, and optimize reaction conditions. By having a clear understanding of the reaction mechanism, researchers can make informed decisions about optimizing reaction conditions to increase yields, minimizing unwanted byproducts, and ensuring that the reaction proceeds as intended.