<unk>  is a chemical reaction or process in which a chemical compound is broken down by reaction with water. It is the type of reaction that is used to break down certain polymers, especially those made by step-growth polymerization. Such polymer degradation is usually catalysed by either acid or alkali, attack often increasing with strength or pH.
Hydrolysis
Autoxidation
Hydrogenation
Extraction 
Electrolysis
Hydroxylation
Polymerization
Flux 