radical

[805098281]

What does it mean for something to be radical and how is it relevant?

[Ashley Zhu 1A]

A radical is an atom or a molecule that has an unpaired valence electron such as fluorine or CH3. Radicals are generally very unstable and can cause harm to the body by denaturing macromolecules.

[Cameron_Greenberg_3C]

Most of our practice problems feature molecules with an even number of total valence electrons so that every electron is paired. But, radicals are different in that there can be a single unpaired electron in special cases. Usually in the real world, a radical is an incomplete molecule that finds an electron quickly to stabilize.

[Justin Haggard 1E]

Radicals are compounds with unpaired electrons (not octet in valence shell). They are highly reactive and unstable, and only exist for a short period of time.

An example would be formed in the upper atmosphere when a photon hits a water molecule ()



(Note that the oxygen atom in the has a total of 2 unbound electron pairs, and the oxygen atom in the products has 1 unbound electron (making it a radical) and 2 unbound electron pairs).

[Desiree1G]

Radicals have at least one unpaired electron and they have an odd number of valence electrons. Note they're also very reactive

[paytonm1H]

Radicals have an unpaired electron, making them very reactive.