What is a curly arrow?

A curly arrow is an arrow that shows the movement of electrons in organic chemistry.
If the arrow is a full headed then it shows the movement of two electrons in normal chemical reactions. If it is a half headed arrow then it shows the movement of one electron you tend to see this in reactions of free radicles.

Make sure that when you are drawing curly arrows they do have a curve in the I know it sounds silly but it is one of the more common mistakes when drawing reaction mechanisms!

JT
Answered by Jonny T. Chemistry tutor

10456 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the mechanism for the nucleophilic substitution of a halogenoalkane?


State whether the following conduct electricity as solid or molten: Aluminium, Aluminium fluoride, Boron tribromide


What are isotopes?


What chemical test can be used to differentiate between alkenes and alkanes. Describe and explain the results.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning