Asked in UHS MDCAT 2012 2012Moderate

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.

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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.

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