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Vol. 38 No. 2 (2026): Vol 38 Issue 2, 2026

Copyright (c) 2026 Dr. Harasit Kumar Mandal Harasit

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From Equilibrium to Emergence: The Physical Foundations of Chemical Order – A Conceptual Framework Linking Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics and Systems Chemistry

https://doi.org/10.14233/ajchem.2026.35213
Harasit Kumar Mandal
Department of Chemistry, Sree Chaitanya College, Habra-743268, India
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0128-1401
Suparna Rudra Hari
Department of Chemistry, Brainware University, Barasat, Kolkata-700125, India
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0653-6891
Sushanta Saha
Department of Chemistry, Sree Chaitanya College, Habra-743268, India
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5442-1639
Tulika Ghosh
Department of Chemistry, Sree Chaitanya College, Habra-743268, India
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9705-8548

Corresponding Author(s) : Harasit Kumar Mandal

harasitju@gmail.com

Asian Journal of Chemistry, Vol. 38 No. 2 (2026): Vol 38 Issue 2, 2026

Abstract

Chemistry has evolved from empirical pattern recognition to a unified, physics-informed science governed by universal principles. This perspective traces the conceptual progression of chemical thought from Mendeleev’s periodic classification to thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and the emerging systems view of self-organisation and complexity. By dividing this trajectory into four historical phases viz. (i) thermodynamic and kinetic universality, (ii) nonideal solution theory and ionic interactions, (iii) quantum-mechanical interpretation of matter and bonding, and (iv) self-organisation in far-from-equilibrium systems. Each phase contributed to a deeper understanding of matter-energy relationships and strengthened the theoretical foundations of chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the interplay between the macroscopic laws and microscopic models, with recurring themes of order, symmetry and energy flow serving as unifying principles across both equilibrium and non-equilibrium phenomena. This conceptual synthesis illustrates the natural convergence of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and quantum theory, giving rise to systems chemistry and the modern study of emergent behaviour. Beyond its historical narrative, the work asserts that an analysis of chemistry through its evolving paradigms reveals a coherent scientific continuum integrating atomic theory, information and complexity, thereby positioning chemistry as a central discipline for elucidating organisational principles in natural systems.

Keywords

History of chemistry Quantum mechanics Chemical bonding and Oscillations Patterns Origin of life
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Mandal, H. K.; Hari, S. R.; Saha, S.; Ghosh, T. From Equilibrium to Emergence: The Physical Foundations of Chemical Order – A Conceptual Framework Linking Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics and Systems Chemistry. ajc 2026, 38, 278-296.
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