How many electrons are present in the valence shell of the central carbon atom in a carbon free radi — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question
Question
How many electrons are present in the valence shell of the central carbon atom in a carbon free radical generated directly by the homolytic cleavage of a $C-H$ bond in methane?
Answer: 7
💡 Solution & Explanation
A carbon free radical has three bond pairs (6 electrons) and one unpaired odd electron. Therefore, it possesses exactly 7 electrons in its outermost valence shell, resulting in an incomplete octet.
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