How Organic Reactions Occur:Mechanisms A mechanism describes in detail exactly what takes place in each stage of a chemical transformation: -which bonds are broken(formed)and in what order relative rates of each step of the reaction A complete mechanism must account for all reactants used,all products formed and the amount of each Each step involves either the formation or breaking of a covalent bond -steps can occur in individually or in combination with other steps when several steps occur at the same time they are said to be concertedHow Organic Reactions Occur: Mechanisms „ A mechanism describes in detail exactly what takes place in each stage of a chemical transformation: - which bonds are broken (formed) and in what order - relative rates of each step of the reaction „ A complete mechanism must account for all reactants used, all products formed and the amount of each „ Each step involves either the formation or breaking of a covalent bond - steps can occur in individually or in combination with other steps - when several steps occur at the same time they are said to be concerted