Which of the following free radicals is the most stable?

Chemistry
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ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
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Which of the following free radicals is the most stable?

### Free Radical Structures in Organic Chemistry

In organic chemistry, free radicals are molecules with an unpaired electron, typically resulting in high reactivity. Below are examples of free radical structures:

#### (a) Simple Alkane Radical
- **Structure:** A linear chain of three carbon atoms linked together. 
- **Feature:** A free radical (∙) is located at the terminal carbon atom, indicating the presence of an unpaired electron.

#### (b) Methyl Radical
- **Structure:** A single carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms (∙CH₃).
- **Feature:** The dot represents the unpaired electron on the carbon atom, making it highly reactive.

#### (c) Branched Alkane Radical
- **Structure:** A longer chain of carbon atoms with a branching at the second carbon. 
- **Feature:** The free radical is located at the carbon branch, demonstrating a more complex radical structure.

#### (d) Isomeric Alkane Radical
- **Structure:** A similar structure to (a) but with a different radical position, located on the middle carbon.
- **Feature:** This demonstrates isomeric possibilities in radical formation, affecting reactivity and stability.

These diagrams represent the diversity of free radical structures and their roles in various chemical reactions and mechanisms. Understanding these structural variations is crucial for predicting reactivity and stability in organic processes.
Transcribed Image Text:### Free Radical Structures in Organic Chemistry In organic chemistry, free radicals are molecules with an unpaired electron, typically resulting in high reactivity. Below are examples of free radical structures: #### (a) Simple Alkane Radical - **Structure:** A linear chain of three carbon atoms linked together. - **Feature:** A free radical (∙) is located at the terminal carbon atom, indicating the presence of an unpaired electron. #### (b) Methyl Radical - **Structure:** A single carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms (∙CH₃). - **Feature:** The dot represents the unpaired electron on the carbon atom, making it highly reactive. #### (c) Branched Alkane Radical - **Structure:** A longer chain of carbon atoms with a branching at the second carbon. - **Feature:** The free radical is located at the carbon branch, demonstrating a more complex radical structure. #### (d) Isomeric Alkane Radical - **Structure:** A similar structure to (a) but with a different radical position, located on the middle carbon. - **Feature:** This demonstrates isomeric possibilities in radical formation, affecting reactivity and stability. These diagrams represent the diversity of free radical structures and their roles in various chemical reactions and mechanisms. Understanding these structural variations is crucial for predicting reactivity and stability in organic processes.
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