Free Radical Subsitution

Question 1

What is a free radical?

Answer 1

Any chemical with an unpaired electron and they are very reactive.

Question 2

What is the condition for free radical substitution?

Answer 2

UV light to break the cl-cl bond.

Question 3

Why does free radical substitution happen?

Answer 3

Alkanes after fractional distillation are modified as they are fairly unread rive so chemists can produce more useful compounds.

Question 4

What is the initiation step?

Answer 4

-two free radicals are formed from 0 free radicals.
-requires UV light to break the bonds.
-e.g: Cl2———> 2Cl⚫️

Question 5

What is propagation step 1?

Answer 5

-the halogen radical reacts with the alkane so it gains a H.
-breaks the C-H bond and the C will become the radical
-e.g: CH3CH2CH3 +Cl⚫️ ————> CH3CH2CH2⚫️ + HCl

Question 6

What is propagation step 2?

Answer 6

-the free radical reacts with more halogen reforming the halogen in the process.
-e.g: CH3CH2CH2⚫️ + Cl2 ————> CH3CH2CH2Cl + Cl⚫️

Question 7

What is the termination step?

Answer 7

-when two free radicals collide they will react together and no longer become free radicals so it stops the reaction.
-e.g: 2Cl⚫️————> Cl2