Automation of rate-coefficient calculations for gas-phase
organic
species became possible in recent years and has transformed how we
explore these complicated systems computationally. Kinetics workflow
tools bring rigor and speed and eliminate a large fraction of manual
labor and related error sources. In this paper we give an overview
of this quickly evolving field and illustrate, through five detailed
examples, the capabilities of our own automated tool, KinBot. We bring
examples from combustion and atmospheric chemistry of C-, H-, O-,
and N-atom-containing species that are relevant to molecular weight
growth and autoxidation processes. The examples shed light on the
capabilities of automation and also highlight particular challenges
associated with the various chemical systems that need to be addressed
in future work.