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Free Radical Addition to Alkenes

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  • 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

1) 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.

2) 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.

3)Termination

  • The reaction stops when two free radicals combine to form a stable product, thus terminating the chain reaction.

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