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

11813 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the trend in melting points of the period 3 elements


Compare the basic ability between ammonia, ethyl amine and phenyl amine.


What are moles and how do you calculate them?


What is the structure of benzene?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning