TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Radical Chemistry A1 - Flygare, John A1 - Renslo, Adam A2 - Renslo, Adam PY - 2016 T2 - The Organic Chemistry of Medicinal Agents AB - In this chapter we will examine the homolysis (homolytic cleavage) of σ bonds to form highly reactive radical species. When a bond breaks homolytically, the two electrons of the breaking bond end up on different atoms. The resulting radical species possess a single unpaired electron on an atom lacking a full octet of electrons. This makes radicals very electron deficient and unstable. They are often formed in low concentrations and are rarely stable enough to isolate, though they can serve as intermediates in chemical processes, as we will see. Biological systems take advantage of the high reactivity and transient nature of radicals to mediate a host of transformations required for life. Molecular oxygen exists as a diradical and we will see how it acts as a powerful oxidant, attacking organic molecules to initiate radical reactions. These oxygen-mediated radical reactions cause cellular damage and we will take a close look at how the antioxidant vitamins E and C (Figure 8.1) prevent this damage by acting as radical scavengers. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/11/13 UR - accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1124842878 ER -