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

9746 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe and explain the trend of reactivity of group 2 metals with water


Why are Amines more basic than Amides?


Explain the decrease in reactivity of Group 2 elements as you go down the periodic table


Why is the first ionisation energy of barium larger than the first ionsiation energy of caesium?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences