The central carbon atom of a free radical contains:

• A. 6 electrons
• B. 7 electrons
• C. 8 electrons
• D. 10 electrons

The central carbon atom of a free radical typically contains 7 electrons. So, the correct answer is B. Let’s break down why this is the case and what it means in the context of chemistry.

Understanding Free Radicals

Free radicals are atoms or molecules that have unpaired electrons, making them highly reactive. In the case of carbon, it has four valence electrons in its outer shell, which means it usually forms four bonds to achieve a stable configuration of eight electrons, known as the octet rule.

The Electron Count in Free Radicals

When carbon forms a free radical, it typically has one unpaired electron. This means that instead of having a complete set of eight electrons, it has:

• 4 electrons from its four covalent bonds
• 1 unpaired electron, which is characteristic of free radicals

Adding these together gives us a total of 5 electrons from the bonds and 1 unpaired electron, resulting in 7 electrons around the central carbon atom.

Examples of Carbon Free Radicals

One common example of a carbon free radical is the methyl radical (•CH₃). In this case, the carbon atom is bonded to three hydrogen atoms, contributing three electrons from the bonds, plus one unpaired electron. This configuration illustrates how the carbon atom can have 7 electrons in total.

Implications of Free Radicals

Free radicals are important in various chemical reactions, including combustion and polymerization. Their reactivity can lead to chain reactions, which is why they play a significant role in processes like aging and cellular damage in biological systems.

Conclusion

In summary, the central carbon atom of a free radical contains 7 electrons due to its four bonds and one unpaired electron. Understanding the behavior of free radicals is crucial in both organic chemistry and biochemistry, as they significantly influence many chemical processes.