🎯 Learning Objectives:
- Understand what is a free radical
- Identify the general properties of free radicals
- Explore examples of free radicals
💥 What Are Free Radicals?
A Free Radical is an atom or molecule that contains an unpaired electron. This makes them highly reactive, both with other substances and among themselves.
Due to this unpaired electron, these species are paramagnetic and generally have very short lifespans. Unlike paired electrons in chemical bonds (which have opposite spins), free radicals contain one electron with no counterpart.
📘 Related: Atom - The Building Block of Chemistry
🔬 General Properties of Free Radicals
- Contain an odd number of electrons
- Are generally neutral/un-charged
- Highly reactive due to instability
- Short-lived in natural conditions
- Occur only under specific conditions
🧪 Examples of Free Radicals
When a chlorine molecule undergoes homolytic cleavage, it produces two chlorine radicals:
Figure: Homolytic cleavage of Cl2
📘 Related: Bronsted-Lowry Concept of Acids and Bases
🧾 Summary
- Free radicals are atoms or molecules with an unpaired electron
- They are highly reactive, short-lived, and paramagnetic
- Important in both Organic Chemistry and Biochemical Reactions
🧠Also read: Stoichiometry Key Points | Isotopes - An Overview | Amazing Chemistry Facts
Tags
Chemistry Basics
Free Radicals
Grade 9 Chemistry
Homolytic Cleavage
Organic Chemistry
Paramagnetism
Reactive Species