Heterolytic fission of a covalent bond produces
- A. two free radicals
- B. two neutral atoms
- C. a positive and a negative ion, because both electrons go to one atom
- D. no change in the molecule
Explanation
In heterolytic fission the shared pair leaves with the more electronegative atom, giving oppositely charged ions such as a carbocation and a halide, and this is typical of polar solvents and ionic mechanisms. Homolytic fission splits the pair evenly and gives two free radicals, which is what happens under ultraviolet light or high temperature. Recognising which type a reaction uses is the key to predicting its mechanism.