alkyl radical
noun
Pronunciation: /ˈæl.kɪl ˈræd.ɪ.kəl/
Definition
A univalent chemical species consisting of a hydrocarbon chain with one unpaired electron, making it extremely reactive and prone to forming new covalent bonds.
Examples
The reaction mechanism begins with the formation of an alkyl radical through the homolytic cleavage of a carbon-hydrogen bond.
Because the alkyl radical is so unstable, it quickly reacts with other molecules to achieve a more stable electronic configuration.
Researchers monitored the concentration of the alkyl radical using electron spin resonance spectroscopy during the polymerization process.
Synonyms of alkyl radical
Words with a similar meaning to alkyl radical:
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