Rucete ✏ Chemistry In a Nutshell
1. What are Radicals?
- Radicals are molecules or atoms with at least one unpaired electron.
- They usually form when a normal electron pair bond breaks, leaving one electron unpaired.
- Most molecules have an even number of electrons, but radicals are exceptions.
2. Example of a Radical
- NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide)
- Nitrogen has an unpaired electron due to its low electronegativity.
- This makes NO₂ a radical and highly reactive.
- It does not fulfill the octet rule, meaning it has an incomplete octet.
In a nutshell
- Highly reactive due to their unpaired electrons.
- Can participate in chain reactions (e.g., in combustion and polymerization).
- Play a role in biological processes (e.g., free radicals in the human body can cause cell damage).
"Radicals are Restless!"
- They have unpaired electrons.
- They are highly reactive.
- They don’t always follow the octet rule.
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Chemistry in a nutshell