Definition of Transformation

The conversion of a substrate into a particular product, irrespective of reagents or mechanisms involved. For example, the transformation of aniline (C6H5NH2) into N-phenylacetamide (C6H5NHCOCH3) may be effected by use of acetyl chloride or acetic anhydride or ketene. A transformation is distinct from a reaction, the full description of which would state or imply all the reactants and all the products. For nomenclature of transformations see IUPAC TERMINOLOGY FOR TRANSFORMATIONS.


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