Free radicals in organic chemistry are highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons, formed through homolytic cleavage. They are crucial in processes like polymerization and combustion, and play roles in biological functions. Understanding their formation, reactions like substitution, and effects on organic molecules is vital for applications in medicine and industry.
Show More
Free radicals are formed through homolytic cleavage, where a covalent bond breaks and each atom involved retains one electron from the pair
Oxygen Radicals
Oxygen exists as a biradical in its ground state, with two unpaired electrons, making it a strong oxidizing agent
Carbon-Centered Radicals
Carbon-centered radicals can be generated from organic compounds like methane
Free radicals can be produced by exposure to various sources such as ultraviolet light, ionizing radiation, and redox reactions
Free radicals play a critical role in biological processes such as immune responses and cell signaling
Free radicals are essential for the synthesis of halogenated organic compounds, which have numerous industrial and pharmaceutical uses
Free radicals can engage in addition, substitution, and termination reactions, which are fundamental to the transformation and synthesis of organic compounds
Research in free radical chemistry aims to minimize environmental impact through advancements in green chemistry
Free radicals are being studied for their potential in developing new treatments for diseases associated with oxidative stress
While free radicals offer numerous benefits, their reactivity can also lead to detrimental effects such as oxidative stress and pose safety risks in chemical manufacturing and storage
00
______ cleavage is a process where a covalent bond breaks and each atom keeps one electron, resulting in two ______.
Homolytic
free radicals
01
Roles of free radicals in biological systems
Byproducts of cellular metabolism, involved in cell signaling and defense.
02
Hydroxyl radical formation
OH•, highly reactive, forms via homolysis of water molecules.
