Homolytic bond breakage

Definition

In organic chemistry, homolytic bond breakage occurs when a covalent bond between two atoms breaks evenly, with each atom retaining one of the shared electrons. This process results in the formation of two radicals.

Related terms

Radical:

A molecule or ion containing an unpaired valence electron, highly reactive due to this unpaired electron.

Covalent bond:

A type of chemical bond involving the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

Heterolytic bond breakage:

The process where a covalent bond breaks unevenly, with both electrons from the bond being taken by one of the atoms, leading to ion formation