9.1.1.3 Redox Generation

Covalent bonds may be broken by electron transfer process either by accepting an electron from a donor or donating an electron to an acceptor.

In the second group, the acceptor is generally a transition-metal-ion in a high-valence state.

9.1.2 Reactions of Free Radicals

Four types of reactions are possible with free-radicals.

9.1.2.1 Abstraction

Free radicals proceed reactions with saturated organic molecules by abstracting an atom from carbon. The selectivity of the free radicals towards C-H bonds of different types is determined by bond dissociation energy and polar effects. The rate of the abstraction process increases as bond dissociation energy decreases. For examples: