double/single-headed arrows

[Megan Ren 2B]

I understand that a double-headed arrow indicates the transfer of two electrons and that a single headed arrow indicates the transfer of one electron, but all the diagrams in the course reader/examples done in class seem to use double-headed arrows anyway. When is it necessary to differentiate between the two and specifically draw either single or double-headed arrows?

[Albert Agabekyan 1A]

I think that the half headed arrow is one of those uncommon circumstances. For the most part, the double headed arrow will be used since I believe we will be dealing with lone pairs most of the time.

[Chem_Mod]

Single electron transfers are pretty rare, but when you are solving a problem you should be aware of how many electrons are moving by comparing the two structures. That determines what arrow you use.

[Mayvera Doaran 2H]

What would be an example of when we'd use a single-headed arrow?

[samuelkharpatin2b]

I believe we can focus mostly on using the double headed arrow for this class, and just know that the single headed arrow simply means that one electron is being transferred. The use of the one headed arrow is really rare and no problems in the organic textbook require the use of a single headed arrow. (At least the ones assigned to us).

[Maddy_Larson_2J]

A double headed arrow is used in the case when 2 electrons are getting passed. This is why we normally use a double-headed arrow. A single headed arrow is a little less common as it refers to only 1 electron getting passed. When dealing with bonds we are typically dealing with 2 electrons which is why its more common to see the double headed arrow rather than the single headed arrow. Hope this helps!

[Chem_Mod]

Single headed arrows are used to show single electrons moving. This is common to reactions involving radicals, which are not covered in this class.

[Narin Maisha 2H]

Single-headed arrows are used to represent the transfer of a single electron which isn't common, while double headed arrows shows an instance when two electrons are being passed.

[Jennifer Kainth 3L]

Single-headed arrows are used to depict the movement of single electrons. Two electrons are passed in this case, as seen by the double-headed arrows.

[dericasu3a]

I don't believe we are required to know how to work with equations with single headed arrows in this class.

[Tara Cumiskey 3K]

I think that most of the problems we work with have double headed arrows, so I wouldn’t worry about the single headed arrows that much. Just make sure you know that single headed arrows depict the movement of a single arrow.