Chapter 11: Radicals

Flashcards covering key concepts related to radicals and polymerizations based on lecture notes.

What are free radical compounds known for in relation to the octet rule?

Free radical compounds do not follow the octet rule, making them unstable and very reactive.

What is a common radical reaction involving free radicals?

Peroxides are a common radical reaction.

What leads to the formation of radicals?

Radicals are often formed through homolytic cleavage.

Why are radicals inherently unstable?

Radicals are inherently unstable due to the lack of a complete octet.

What kind of orbitals can a single electron in a radical occupy?

A single electron can exist in a p orbital rather than the sp3 hybridized orbital.

How does the stability of radicals relate to carbocations?

Some radicals are more stable than others and typically follow the same stability rules as carbocations.

What is the outcome of forming more stable radicals?

Forming more stable radicals results in a faster reaction.

What do radical halogenation reactions produce?

Radical halogenation reactions form alkyl halides from alkane C-H bonds.

Can multiple halogens be added to the same starting alkane during radical halogenation?

Yes, multiple halogens can be added to the same starting alkane.

What are the three steps in radical chain-reaction mechanisms?

Initiation, propagation, and termination.

What is Allylic Bromination?

Allylic bromination uses NBS and ultraviolet light to add Br to an allylic C-H bond.

What happens when only NBS is added in allylic bromination?

It will result in a halogenation reaction to the alkene.

What is necessary for the allylic C-H bond to act in allylic bromination?

Only the allylic C-H bond is reactive enough.

What is a polymer?

Polymers are large compounds made up of repeating units of monomers.

What is an example of a naturally occurring polymer?

Cellulose, which is a glucose polymer.

What is a radical initiator used for in polymerization?

A radical initiator is needed in relatively small amounts for polymerization.