Definition

Relating to a type of chemical reaction where a bond breaks evenly, resulting in two uncharged atoms or radicals.

Example

The homolytic cleavage of the bond produced two free radicals.

Conversation

I was reading about chemical reactions, and I came across the term homolytic cleavage.

Oh really? What does that mean?

It refers to breaking bonds in a way that produces two uncharged radicals, which is pretty interesting.

That sounds complex, but I love how chemistry can be so detailed!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Homolytic → It is formed from "homo-" (from Greek "homos", meaning same) and "lytic" (from Greek "lytikos", meaning capable of loosening or breaking). The word "homolytic" refers to a type of bond cleavage where each of the two atoms involved in the bond takes one of the shared electrons, resulting in two radicals that are the same.

Memory Tip

Think of 'same' ('homo-') and 'breaking' ('lytic') to remember that 'homolytic' describes a process where a bond breaks evenly, producing two identical parts.

Visually Confused Words