Question

Use curved arrows to show the movement of electrons in each equation.

a.

b.

Short answer

Answer

a.

b.

Step-by-step solution

Step-by-Step SolutionStep 1: Carbocation and carbanion

Carbon atoms having a positive charge (lack of an electron) are called carbocations and the ones having excess electrons that are indicated using a negative charge over the carbon atom are called carbanions.

Carbon radical

Neutral carbon atoms that have an unpaired electron over them are termed carbon radicals.

Movement of electrons

a.

Movement of electrons in reaction a

Both the species consist of carbon radicals.

Each donates one electron each, resulting in a bond.

b.

Movement of electrons in reaction b

Electrons move from negatively charged species (species-rich in electrons) to positively charged species (electron-deficient).

Here, the bromine atom is electron-rich and it donates both the electrons to the carbocation resulting in a bond.