Question

Which of the following is not a characteristic of a free radical chain reaction?

• A. It produces a mole of product for a mole of free radical initiated
• B. It gives the product derived from the most stable radical
• C. It may be initiated by UV-light or high heat
• D. It may be initiated by peroxide

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

It produces a mole of product for a mole of free radical initiated

Because of their high reactivity, free radicals have the potential to be both extremely powerful chemical tools and extremely harmful contaminants. Much of the power of free radical species stems from the natural tendency of radical processes to occur in a chain reaction fashion. Radical chain reactions have three distinct phases: initiation, propagation, and termination.

So, two moles of free radicals are formed during initiation.