Explain the difference between homolytic fission and heterolytic fission.

Homolytic fission:Homolytic fission occurs when the covalent bond breaks evenly, and each of the bonded atoms takes one of the shared pair of electrons from the bond. Each atom now has a single unpaired electron - called a radical. Heterolytic fission:On the other hand, heterolytic fission occurs when the covalent bond breaks unevenly, and one of the bonded atoms takes both of the electrons from the bond.The atom that takes both electrons becomes a negative ion (anion).The atom that does not take the electrons becomes a positive ion (cation).

HW
Answered by Hannah W. Chemistry tutor

49684 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can you work out, using the changes in oxidation numbers, which compound out of KCl, KBr and KI has the greatest reducing power?


Why do ionisation energies increase across a period?


What is meant by the term amphoteric? and give an example of a reaction using NaOH that could be used to distinguish between a solution of amphoteric AlCl3 and non-amphoteric MgCl2.


Explain why sulfur deviates from the general trend in ionisation energies across period 3.


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences