Hi,
Currently, I'm studying organic synthesis and mechanistic study in graduate school.
Recently, I read a paper which mentions as below, without any citation.
"Two radicals can form a bond without an energetic
barrier"
After reading this, I happened to wonder... why..?
Would there be any theoretical proof or explanation for this quote?
Could you please recommend me any paper, or books for this?
Thanks a lot.
Radicals are highly reactive species because of their unpaired electron. Of course there will be an energy barrier for the formation of the bond, but it would be negligible compared to the actual energy of the two starting radical species. Energetically is like throwing a ball from a high building. The 30 cm that the ball gain in height (because you are throwing it) are nothing compared to the 30 meters that it is going to run before reaching the ground. That's why people often make this statement.
Experience has shown that energy barriers in such reactions are extremely rare
Radicals are highly reactive species because of their unpaired electron. Of course there will be an energy barrier for the formation of the bond, but it would be negligible compared to the actual energy of the two starting radical species. Energetically is like throwing a ball from a high building. The 30 cm that the ball gain in height (because you are throwing it) are nothing compared to the 30 meters that it is going to run before reaching the ground. That's why people often make this statement.
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