An atom or a diatomic or polyatomic molecule which possesses one unpaired electron.
Definition of Radical. An atom or group of atoms that contains one or more unpaired electrons (usually very reactive species). Search the Dictionary.  How Antioxidants May Prevent Against Free Radical Damage. The vitamins C and E, are thought to protect the body against the destructive effects of free radicals. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating one of their own electrons, ending the electron-stealing reaction.  exists and is an alternate of. Merge this question into. Split and merge into it. Answer by Answers Publisher. Confidence votes 262K. A free radical in chemistry is a molecule which has an unpaired electron. Because of the free electron molecules such as free radicals are highly reactive.  Moses Gomberg (1866–1947), the founder of radical chemistry. In chemistry, a radical (more precisely, a free radical) is an atom, molecule, or ion that has unpaired valency electrons.  Free Radical Definition: A molecule with an unpaired electron. Because they have a free electron, such molecules are highly reactive. Examples: singlet oxygen, free hydroxy group. Return to the Chemistry Glossary Index.  free radical. (chemistry). An atom or a diatomic or polyatomic molecule which possesses one unpaired electron. Also known as a radical. free radical. in chemistry, a molecule or atom that contains an unpaired electron but is neither positively nor negatively charged. Free radicals are usually highly reactive and unstable. They are produced by homolytic cleavage of a covalent bond (see chemical bond chemical bond,mechanism whereby atoms combine to form molecules rad·i·cal. 1. In chemistry, a group of elements or atoms usually passing intact from one compound to another, but usually incapable of prolonged existence in a free state (for example, methyl, CH 3); in chemical formulas, a radical is often distinguished by being enclosed in parentheses or brackets.  2. a group of atoms that enters into and goes out of chemical combination without change and that forms one of the fundamental constituents of a molecule. color radical chromophore. free radical a radical that carries an unpaired electron; such radicals are extremely reactive, with a very short half-life. oxygen radical a toxic metabolite of oxygen, such as superoxide or singlet oxygen, capable of damaging microorganisms and normal tissues. free rad·i·cal. a radical in its (usually transient) uncombined state; an atom or atom group carrying an unpaired electron and no charge; e.g., hydroxyl and methyl Free radicals may be involved as short-lived, highly active intermediates in various reactions in living tissue, notably in photosynthesis.
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define radical chemistry