GOC and Organic Chemistry BasicshardNUMERICAL

How many electrons are present in the valence shell of the central carbon atom in a carbon free radiGOC 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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