Mechanistic study of chemical reaction systems

We present a method for characterizing complex chemical systems often encountered in studies of homogeneous, heterogeneous catalytic, and enzyme reactions. From a list of chosen elementary steps, it is shown how all possible mechanisms and corresponding overall chemical equations can be enumerated. This furnisches a valuable tool for the further consideration of desired reactions and elucidation of their kinetics. Illustrative examples are given, including problems of current interest. A computer program is available to implement the procedures required