3.1.2

Mechanism

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Reaction Mechanisms

A reaction mechanism shows the formation of new bonds in the sequence they are created.

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Curly arrows

  • A curly arrow is used to show the movement of a pair of electrons.
  • This is useful to show the formation of new bonds.
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Bond breaking

  • A curly arrow can also be used to show the breaking of a bond.
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Free radicals

  • A free radical is a molecule or atom with an unpaired electron.
  • Free radicals are very reactive molecules.
  • An unpaired electron is shown using a dot.

Jump to other topics

1Physical Chemistry

1.1Atoms, Molecules & Stoichiometry

1.2Atomic Structure

1.3Chemical Bonding

1.4States of Matter

1.5Chemical Energetics

1.6Electrochemistry

1.7Equilibria

1.8Partition Coefficient

1.9Reaction Kinetics

2Inorganic Chemistry

3Organic Chemistry & Analysis

3.1Introduction to Organic Chemistry

3.2Hydrocarbons

3.3Halogen Derivatives

3.4Hydroxy Compounds

3.5Carbonyl Compounds

3.6Carboxylic Acids & Derivatives

3.7Nitrogen Compounds

3.8Polymerisation

3.9Analytical Techniques

3.10Organic Synthesis

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