Question

Which of the following is TRUE for carbon free radical?

• A. These are odd electron species.
• B. There are seven electrons in the valence shell.
• C. It is paramagnetic in nature.
• D. A free radical generally reacts with free radicals

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C), (D)

A free radical generally reacts with free radicals

What are Carbon Free Radicals?

Carbon Free Radical

(i) Carbon free radicals are odd electron species in which carbon atom bears the odd electron.

(ii) Homolytic bond fission of a covalent single bond gives rise to free radicals.

(iii) There are seven electrons in the outermost orbit of carbon of carbon free radicals.

(iv) Owing to the presence of an odd electron; a carbon radical is paramagnetic in nature. Due to this reason free radicals are highly reactive.

(v) The structure of the carbon free radicals is very difficult to predict. They have planar to pyramidal geometry depending upon the groups and atoms attached to the carbon atom having odd electron. For example, methyl free radical is planar. On the other hand trifluoro methyl free radical is pyramidal. Alkyl free radicals have also pyramidal geometry.

(vi) Free radicals are neutral electrophiles.

(vii) Free radical generally reacts with free radical