Question

Which of the following species is formed by homolytic bond fission?
(A) carbocation
(B) carbanion
(C) free radical
(D) None of these

Answer 1

Think about the homolytic bond fission process. Try to define the term homolytic bond fission. Fission is cleavage of a bond. Associate what is meant by homolytic with respect to the bond fission process. Take a look at each option and find out how those intermediates are formed to get the answer.

Complete step by step solution:
- Homolytic bond fission is a bond-breaking process in which a covalent bond breaks equally due to the same polarity difference and the electrons are shared equally between the atoms so, each atom gets one electron each.
- The species thus formed by homolytic fission is a free radical.
- Homolytic bond fission occurs only in the presence of heat or light.
- Free radical is a neutral electron-deficient species in which a carbon atom is trivalent having one unpaired free electron.
- Carbanion is a negatively charged electron-rich species in which the carbon atom is trivalent and has a pair of unshared electrons. It is formed due to heterolytic bond fission.
- Carbocation is a positively charged electron-deficient species in which carbon atoms are trivalent and one electron is absent because of which it gets a positive charge. It is also formed due to heterolytic bond fission.
- Therefore, the species formed by homolytic bond fission is free radical.

- Therefore, the answer is option (C).

Note: Remember homolytic bond fission gives rise to free radical intermediates. Other intermediates like carbocations and carbanions are formed due to heterolytic bond fission. Homolytic bond fission takes place on a nonpolar bond in the presence of heat or light.