Beta scission
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Beta scission is the initial step in the chemistry of thermal cracking of hydrocarbons and the formation of free radicals [1]. They are formed upon splitting the carbon-to-carbon (C-C) bond. Free radicals are extremely reactive and short-lived. When a free radical undergoes a beta scission, the free radical breaks two carbons away from the charged carbon producing an olefin (ethylene) and a primary free radical, which has two fewer carbon atoms.
[edit] References
- ^ March, Jerry (1985). Advanced Organic Chemistry, Reactions, Mechanisms and Structure, third Edition, John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 0-471-85472-7.
