Question

Is free radical electrophilic?

Answer 1

Explanation:

1. Electrophile is derived from the words electro and philic, where electro refers to electrons and phile refers to those species that are electron-loving in nature.
2. Free radicals are molecules that have an unpaired electron in their atomic orbital and can exist on their own. These are extremely rare and unique, appearing only in specific and constrained situations.
3. Molecular oxygen is an example of a typical free radical. Because of the presence of an unpaired electron in their orbital, these are paramagnetic species. These are very reactive but extremely unstable.
4. They can give or take electrons from other molecules, allowing them to act as both an oxidant and a reductant.

Therefore,

1. A species with a neutral charge is called a free radical (zero or no charge).
2. An electrophile is a species that values ​​electrons, so they have a positive charge.

Hence, the free radical is not electrophilic.