Question

Discuss the thermolysis methods for generation of the free radicals.

Answer 1

The most obviuos method for radical generation is to heat molecules until the bond begins to break.

If a molecule or ion has one ralatively weak bond, precise homolysis may occur on heating:

$$A-B \xrightarrow{heat} A\cdot + B\cdot$$

An example is the thermolysis of (i) poroxides or of (ii) azo-compounds:

$$(i) R-O-O-R \xrightarrow{heat} 2R-O \cdot$$

$$(ii) R-N=N-R \xrightarrow{heat} 2R \cdot + N_2$$