See image — GOC and Organic Chemistry Basics Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

# Homolytic Cleavage and Bond Breaking **Step 1: Define homolytic cleavage** Homolytic cleavage is the breaking of a covalent bond where each atom receives one electron from the bonding pair. $$A-B \xrightarrow{\text{homolytic}} A^{\cdot} + B^{\cdot}$$ Each fragment has an unpaired electron. **Step 2: Identify the intermediate produced** When a bond undergoes homolytic cleavage, it produces species with unpaired electrons. These are called **free radicals** (or radical species). $$R-R \xrightarrow{\text{homolytic}} R^{\cdot} + R^{\cdot}$$ **Step 3: Distinguish from heterolytic cleavage** - **Heterolytic cleavage**: One atom takes both electrons → produces carbocations ($R^+$) or carbanions ($R^-$) - **Homolytic cleavage**: Each atom gets one electron → produces free radicals ($R^{\cdot}$) **Why option (3) is correct:** Free radicals are the characteristic intermediates formed by homolytic bond cleavage. They are highly reactive species with unpaired electrons, denoted by a dot (•). **Answer: (3) free radicals**