Solid-state decompositions - Stagnation or progress?

An appraisal of the trends discerned in the recent literature concerned with solid-state decompositions suggests that this research area lacks a general theoretical framework and, hence, order in the subject is difficult to recognize. There have been surprisingly few reviews of the field. Many of the continuing flow of research publications may be of individual value, but most do not contribute to the overall development of the topic. For example, in many studies of reversible dissociations the sensitivity of rate characteristics to prevailing conditions is not discussed so that the fit of data to rate equations and the magnitudes of calculated Arrhenius parameters may be of empirical value only. Some studies report kinetic results without mechanistic discussions supported by complementary observations. Progress forward from an apparent state of stagnation depends upon more critical examination of the existing literature, coupled with better designed experiments to establish the reproducibility and reliability of kinetic conclusions. Techniques capable of providing insights into the bond redistribution steps that occur during reactions in crystals are also urgently needed.