Free Radical Addition to Alkenes

  • In free radical addition reactions, atoms or groups add across the double bond of an alkene through a mechanism involving free radicals—highly reactive species with unpaired electrons.

Steps in Free Radical Addition:

Initiation:

  • Free radicals are generated through the homolytic cleavage of a bond, typically induced by heat, light, or a catalyst.
  • For instance, the homolytic cleavage of Br₂ can produce two bromine radicals.
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Propagation:

  • A radical reacts with the alkene, forming a new radical.
  • This newly formed radical continues the chain reaction, with addition occurring across the double bond.

Termination:

  • The reaction concludes when two free radicals combine to form a stable product, halting the chain reaction.
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