Organic Chemistry/Introduction to reactions/Radicals

Image:Go To Organic Chemistry Contents.png Radical stability Radicals listed from less to more stable F° < Cl° < Br° < I° F° is totally unstable while I° is generally unreactive. Alkyl groups vary in stability. CH3° is quite reactive as it violates the octet rule. However, CH3+ is also a charged moiety and is therefore even less stable and harder to form. Alkyl groups listed from less to more stable CH3° < 1° < 2° < 3° Clearly, the tertiary carbocation is the most stable, as it is surrounded by three other carbon atoms that share the burden of its positive charge. (Multiple images follow)