Why free radicals are more reactive than ions?

Radicals are highly reactive as compared to ions because radical has one unpaired valance electron and hence they have a strong tendency to paired up this unpaired electron from any other radical.

Why are free radicals so unstable?

Bringing a half-empty orbital closer to the nucleus will greatly increase its potential energy (the electrostatic attraction of the nucleus for an electron) and increase electron affinity, making that free radical much more reactive (and in this case, reactivity = instability).

Which is more reactive ion or free radical?

We can describe both the terms, free radicals and ions, using the number of electrons belonging to a particular species. Thus, free radicals are more reactive. On the other hand, ions become chemically stable by forming compounds with oppositely charged ions/molecules.

Why tertiary free radical is more stable?

Free radicals on tertiary carbons are more stable than secondary and primary because the radical is stabilized through electronic effects of the other groups attached and in this case it would basically be hyperconjugation.

Which permanent effect explained the stability of free radicals?

The captodative effect is the stabilization of radicals by a synergistic effect of an electron-withdrawing substituent and an electron-donating substituent.

Why do free radicals cause damage to cells?

Oxygen in the body splits into single atoms with unpaired electrons. Electrons like to be in pairs, so these atoms, called free radicals, scavenge the body to seek out other electrons so they can become a pair. This causes damage to cells, proteins and DNA.

Which is more reactive atom or ion?

General Science Atoms are at their most stable when their outermost energy level is either empty of electrons or filled with electrons. therefore, atoms are more reactive than ions.

Are more stable radicals more reactive?

1. Reactant Stability/Reactivity: The more stable the reactant, the less reactive it will be. In terms of rates, this means that the more stable the reactant, the slower it will react.

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