Radical [ENDORSED]

[Anna Turk 1D]

Can someone please explain what a radical is? Additionally, to determine if a molecule is a radical, would you take into account if it had a two lone pairs or just a single one? Thanks!

[Samuel Mushinski 2G]

A radical is a molecule that has at least one unpaired valence electron. These are highly reactive because the electron is unpaired. For the second part of your question, it has to do with unpaired valence electrons, not lone pairs. Hope this helps!

[Praveena Ratnavel - 1A]

A radical is a molecule with one lone electron. You would therefore just look to see if the molecule has a single lone electron (not in a pair). Hope this helps!

[akemiwebster2G]

A radical is a molecule with at least one valence electron that is not paired. Because the electrons are unpaired, they are extremely reactive. It has to do with unpaired valence electrons, not lone pairs, for the second part of your question.

[Samantha Loc 1B]

A radical is is molecule with an unpaired valence electron! Hope this helps :)

[Nick Oscarson 1K]

A radical is a molecule that has at least one unpaired valence electron. A common example of this is a hydroxyl radical.



When drawing the Lewis structure, it's apparent that the oxygen atom has one unpaired valence electron, making it a radical.