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

11869 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does ionisation energy vary across a period in the periodic table?


(i) What property does Magnesium Oxide have that makes it useful to create heat-resistant bricks to line furnaces? (ii) Explain why H2S exists as a gas and H2O exists as a liquid (at r.t.p).


What is the difference between E-Z isomers and optical isomers?


Why does Benzene require a catalyst to react with Bromine whereas Phenol does not?


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