Define a radical as a species with an unpaired electron, represent radicals with a dot such as Cl• and •CH3, explain why they are highly reactive, and recognise that a radical may be an atom, a molecule, a cation or an anion.
(i) Write an equation for the homolytic fission of a bromine molecule under UV light, using curly arrows to show the movement of electrons. (ii) Under different conditions a bromine molecule can undergo heterolytic fission. Write an equation for this process,…