Mechanism
Chemistry: AQA A Level, topic 5.1.2
Reaction Mechanisms
A reaction mechanism shows the formation of new bonds in the sequence they are created.
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.
Bond breaking
- A curly arrow can also be used to show the breaking of a bond.
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.
Test yourself on Mechanism
A curly arrow between two molecules shows the movement of what?
What do we represent the unpaired electron using?