Radicals

Question 1

Which type of radical is the most stable?

Answer 1

Tertiary

Question 2

Why is bromination less selective than chlorination?

Answer 2

Bromine radicals are more stable than chlorine radicals, thus have a more controlled reactivity and are more specific with how they react.

Since chlorine atoms are less stable they are more inclined to react less discriminantly.

Question 3

What are the three steps for radical mechanisms?

Answer 3

Initiation, propagation, termination

Question 4

What is the geometric structure of an alkyl radical?

Where is the lone pair?

Answer 4

sp2 hybridized

p-orbital

Question 5

What is produced when achiral molecules form chiral products?

Answer 5

A racemic mixture of enantiomers

Question 6

What is produced when chiral molecules form products?

Are they produced equally?

Answer 6

Diastereomers are produced (new chiral center is different)

No, one will be favored

Question 7

What is the relative stability of allylic and vinylic radicals?

Answer 7

Allylic radicals are more stable than tertiary radicals

Vinylic radicals are less stable than methyl radicals

Question 8

Why is an allylic radical the most stable?

Answer 8

The resonance of the double bond allows bonding at either end