Free Radical Halogenation of Alkanes

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the free radical halogenation of alkanes, including mechanisms and terminology.

Free Radical Halogenation

A reaction of alkanes where hydrogen atoms are replaced by halogen atoms, occurring in the presence of light or heat.

Chain Reaction Mechanism

A series of reactions where the product of one step serves as a reactant in the next, consisting of initiation, propagation, and termination.

Initiation Step

The first step in free radical halogenation where halogen molecules absorb energy and undergo homolytic cleavage resulting in free radicals.

Propagation Step

The step in free radical halogenation where halogen radicals react with alkanes, producing alkyl radicals and continuing the chain reaction.

Termination Step

The final step in free radical halogenation where two free radicals combine to form stable molecules, stopping the chain reaction.

Unpaired Electrons

Electrons that are alone in an atomic orbital, making free radicals highly reactive.

Selectivity

The preference of radical reactions to occur at more reactive sites, like tertiary hydrogens being more reactive than secondary or primary.

Halogen Radicals

Highly reactive species formed during halogenation that contain unpaired electrons.

Alkyl Radical

A reactive intermediate formed when a halogen radical abstracts a hydrogen atom from an alkane.

Hydrogen Halide

Compounds such as HCl or HBr produced during the propagation step of halogenation.