What is the process called when a chemical is broken down into simpler compounds?

The process referred to when a chemical is broken down into simpler compounds is known as degradation. In the context of pest control and chemical applications, degradation defines how substances are transformed through chemical reactions, often resulting in the formation of less harmful or more manageable compounds. This process is vital for assessing the environmental impact of pesticides and understanding how they will behave once they are released into the environment.

Metabolism generally refers to the biochemical processes that occur within living organisms, involving both the breakdown of substances for energy and the synthesis of compounds necessary for life, which makes it broader than the specific action of breaking down chemicals.

Decomposition is usually associated with the breakdown of organic matter through microbial activity, which doesn’t necessarily refer to the chemical processes relevant in pest control.

Condensation signifies a process where vapor transforms into a liquid, which doesn't relate to the breakdown of chemicals. Thus, degradation distinctly encapsulates the chemical transformation aspect relevant to this question.