U+21CB\leftrightharpoons⇋<mo>⇋</mo>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- ⇌ — Reversible Reaction Arrow
- ⟶ — Long Right Arrow
Use ⇋ in the right format
Meaning and usage
Shows two opposing processes, often with different forward and reverse reaction rates.
Use it for reversible chemical processes or paired transformations when the harpoon direction matters.
Pronunciation: left right harpoons
Formula examples
A\leftrightharpoons BHow to type Left Right Harpoons
- Windows
- Use Character Map and search for Left Right Harpoons, or paste the Unicode character (U+21CB).
- macOS
- Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search for Left Right Harpoons.
- Microsoft Word
- In an equation, type \leftrightharpoons and press Space when Word supports the command; otherwise insert the Unicode character.
- iPhone and iPad
- Copy and paste ⇋, or use a math/LaTeX app. The standard iOS keyboard may not expose every mathematical symbol.
- Android
- Copy and paste ⇋, or use a math keyboard or LaTeX editor. Keyboard layouts vary by device and app.
- Google Docs
- For plain text, paste ⇋ or use Insert → Special characters. For structured math, use the equation editor and verify \leftrightharpoons.
- Excel
- Paste ⇋ into a cell or use Insert → Symbol when available. Ordinary cells preserve the character but do not interpret LaTeX commands.
Common mistakes
- Preserve the direction, number of heads, and decoration of ⇋; those visual details can distinguish implication, mapping, convergence, or movement.
- For plain text, copy ⇋ as U+21CB; for structured equations, use \leftrightharpoons in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Left Right Harpoons.
When to use ⇋
- Use ⇋ in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+21CB.
- Use \leftrightharpoons in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when Left Right Harpoons is used in chemistry, arrows with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- ⇌ — Reversible Reaction Arrow
- ⟶ — Long Right Arrow
Font and compatibility notes
Font coverage varies; verify the code point and destination rendering before publication.
Continue the workflow
From Left Right Harpoons to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse ⇋ in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
\leftrightharpoonsfor LaTeX or the MathML snippet for accessible web equations. - Edit or convertOpen the value in the editor or converter without retyping it.
Review and source notes
Quality tier: catalog
Last reviewed: 2026-07-23
Review method: Catalog review of character identity and notation mappings.
Verified against: Unicode Standard, Unicode mathematical notation guidance, and established LaTeX/MathML syntax.
Reference sources
- The Unicode StandardUnicode Consortium — Character identity, encoding, names, and conformance.
- Unicode Character Code ChartsUnicode Consortium — Code points and official character charts.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Left Right Harpoons symbol mean?
Shows two opposing processes, often with different forward and reverse reaction rates.
What is the LaTeX command for ⇋?
Use \leftrightharpoons in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy ⇋ as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.