Reaction Mechanisms

Question 1

What is a radical?

Answer 1

A species with an unpaired electron

Question 2

How are radicals represented in mechanisms?

Answer 2

With a dot

Question 3

Are radicals reactive of unreactive?

Answer 3

Highly Reactive

Question 4

What are the conditions needs in the free radical substitution of alkanes when reacting them to halogens?

Answer 4

Ultraviolet light

Question 5

Name the three steps in the free radical substitution of alkanes

Answer 5

1. Initiation
2. Propagation
3. Termination

Question 6

How many steps does the initiation step in free radical substituion of alkanes have?

Answer 6

One step

Question 7

How many steps does the propagation step in free radical substituion of alkanes have?

Answer 7

Two steps

Question 8

How many steps does the termination step in free radical substituion of alkanes have?

Answer 8

Three steps

Question 9

What is HOMOlytic fission?

Answer 9

When each bonding atom recieves one electron from the bonded pair, forming two radicals

Question 10

What is HETEROlytic fission?

Answer 10

When one bonding atom recieves both electrons from the bonded pair

Question 11

What are hetero- and homolytic fission examples of?

Answer 11

Covalent bond fission

Question 13

What are the two disadvantages of free radical substitution?

Answer 13

1. Substitution can occur at different positions along the chain
2. Further substitution could occur