5 Questions
What is the defining characteristic of a free radical?
It contains one or more unpaired electrons
What does oxidation involve?
Gain in oxygen
What is the role of reductants?
Reduces another chemical compound by donating electrons, hydrogen
What makes free radicals highly reactive?
They are unstable and try to become stable
How are free radicals represented?
By a superscript dot to the right (R.)
Study Notes
Free Radicals
- Defining characteristic: having one or more unpaired electrons, making them highly reactive
- Oxidation involves the loss of one or more electrons, resulting in the formation of a free radical
Reactivity of Free Radicals
- Highly reactive due to the presence of unpaired electrons, which seek to form a bond with other molecules
- This reactivity leads to a chain reaction of oxidation, causing damage to cells and molecules
Reductants
- Play a crucial role in counteracting the effects of free radicals by donating electrons
- Reduce the oxidation state of a molecule, thereby neutralizing the free radical
Representation of Free Radicals
- Often represented by a dot (•) or an asterisk (*) symbol, indicating the presence of an unpaired electron
- Chemical structure is typically denoted with a dot or asterisk beside the symbol of the atom or molecule
Test your knowledge of free radicals, antioxidants, and redox chemistry with this quiz. Learn the basics of oxidation, reduction, oxidants, reductants, and the nature of free radicals in biological systems.
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