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In chemistry, a radical, also known as a free radical, is an atom, molecule, or ion that has at least one unpaired valence electron. [1] [2] With some exceptions, these unpaired electrons make radicals highly chemically reactive. Many radicals spontaneously dimerize. Most organic radicals have short lifetimes.
Peroxynitrite and nitric oxide are reactive oxygen-containing species as well. Hydroxyl radical (HO·) is generated by Fenton reaction of hydrogen peroxide with ferrous compounds and related reducing agents: Fe(II) + H 2 O 2 → Fe(III)OH + HO· In its fleeting existence, the hydroxyl radical reacts rapidly irreversibly with all organic compounds.
The hydroxyl radical, • HO, is the neutral form of the hydroxide ion (HO –). Hydroxyl radicals are highly reactive and consequently short-lived; however, they form an important part of radical chemistry .
The hydroxyl radical can oxidize membrane lipids and cause nucleic acids and proteins to denature. However, because the radical is so reactive, there is likely not enough time for transport to the cell surface (mean diffusion distance of 4.5 nm). [39]
Radiolysis of intracellular water by ionizing radiation creates peroxides, which are relatively stable precursors to hydroxyl radicals. 60%–70% of cellular DNA damage is caused by hydroxyl radicals, [3] yet hydroxyl radicals are so reactive that they can only diffuse one or two molecular diameters before reacting with cellular components.
In chemistry, a photoinitiator is a molecule that creates reactive species (free radicals, cations or anions) when exposed to radiation (UV or visible). Synthetic photoinitiators are key components in photopolymers (for example, photo-curable coatings, adhesives and dental restoratives).
Due to the reactive nature of radical molecules, disproportionation proceeds rapidly and requires little to no activation energy. [1] The most thoroughly studied radical disproportionation reactions have been conducted with alkyl radicals, but there are many organic molecules that can exhibit more complex, multi-step disproportionation reactions.
The free radical theory of aging states that organisms age because cells accumulate free radical damage over time. [1] A free radical is any atom or molecule that has a single unpaired electron in an outer shell. [2] While a few free radicals such as melanin are not chemically reactive, most biologically relevant free radicals are highly ...