In the following, which one is a free radical?
Correct answer: D. Cl0
- A. Cl-
- B. Cl+
- C. Cl2
- D. Cl0
Explanation
A free radical is an atom, molecule or ion that has an unpaired electron. In the given options, CI° has only one electron in its valence shell, making it an unpaired electron and a free radical. CI- and CI+ have an equal number of electrons and protons, and therefore they are not free radicals. Cl2 is a molecule, and although it contains two chlorine atoms, they are bonded together by a covalent bond, and not unpaired electrons, making it not a free radical.
This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2012 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? [email protected]
About Free Radical Substitution
Free radical substitution explains how alkanes react with halogens under ultraviolet light or heat through initiation, propagation and termination steps. The mechanism involves homolytic bond fission and radical intermediates, while product formation depends on the relative stability of radicals and differs from ionic substitution.
Practise Chemistry of Hydrocarbons
1,091 free Chemistry of Hydrocarbons MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this
Chemistry is on 14 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.