Question

Question: Draw Lewis structures for the following free radicals.

(a)The ethyl radical, CH₃-CH₂

(b)The tert butyl radical, (CH₃ )₃C

(c)The isopropyl radical,(2-propyl radical)

(d)The iodine atom

Short answer

Answer

Lewis structure ofThe ethyl radical, CH₃-CH₂

(b)

Lewis structure ofThe tert butyl radical, (CH₃ )₃C

(c)

Lewis structure ofThe isopropyl radical,(2-propyl radical)

(d)

Lewis structure ofThe iodine atom

Step-by-step solution

Lewis structures

The formation of covalent bondsin molecules is shown in an easier way by Lewis structures.The valence electrons are represented by dots in the Lewis structure, and one bond is represented as two electrons. In drawing Lewis structures, the atoms are arranged so that all of them have eight valence electrons. The exception is hydrogen, which can have a maximum of two valence electrons.

Free radicals

An atom or group of atoms containing odd or unpaired electrons is known as the free radical. Free radicals are electrically neutral. They are highly reactive species formed by homolytic fission of a covalent bond.

 Step 2: Drawing Lewis structures of the given free radicals

(a) A carbon atom has valence electrons, and a hydrogen atom has valence electron.

Lewis structure ofethyl radical, CH₃-CH₂

(b) A carbon atom has valence electrons, and a hydrogen atom has valence electron.

Lewis structure oftert butyl radical, (CH₃ )₃C

(c) A carbon atom has valence electrons, and a hydrogen atom has valence electron.

Lewis structure ofisopropyl radical,(2-propyl radical)

(d) An iodine atom has valence electrons.

Lewis structure ofiodine atom