Free Radical Mechanisms Menu

Understanding Chemistry

FREE RADICAL MECHANISMS MENU

Free radical substitution

What is free radical substitution? . . .: A brief explanation of the terms free radical and substitution.
methane and chlorine . . .: Free radical substitution of hydrogen atoms in methane by chlorine atoms. Includes multiple substitution if you need it.
methane and bromine . . .: Free radical substitution of hydrogen atoms in methane by bromine atoms. Includes multiple substitution if you need it.
methylbenzene and chlorine . . .: Free radical substitution of hydrogen atoms in the methyl group in methylbenzene by chlorine atoms in the presence of UV light (sunlight). Includes multiple substitution if you need it.

Free radical addition

polymerisation of ethene . . .: The mechanism for the polymerisation of ethene under free radical conditions.
alkenes with hydrogen bromide . . .: The mechanism for the addition of hydrogen bromide to alkenes under free radical conditions. This is often known as the "peroxide effect".

You might also be interested in:

properties and reactions of alkanes . . .: A survey of all the physical and chemical properties of alkanes required by UK A level syllabuses.
properties and reactions of alkenes . . .: For more about the reactions and physical properties of alkenes like ethene and propene.
more reactions of methylbenzene (toluene) . . .: A link to the arenes (aromatic hydrocarbons) section of the site.