https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2017.029
Published: Kem. Ind. 66 (11-12) (2017) 667–674
Paper reference number: KUI-29/2017
Paper type: Professional paper / Chemistry in Teaching
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90 Minutes of (Free) Radical Chemistry

K. Molčanov

Abstract

Radicals, chemical species with unpaired electrons, are usually believed to be very unstable; they can be prepared only under special conditions, and can be studied using only special, very expensive, instruments. They are also believed to be harmful, and that they should be kept away from school laboratories. However, radicals have a crucial role in biological reactions. Due to their unpaired electron(s), radicals have a distinct colour, so their appearance may be easily detected. Several simple reactions involving the biologically most relevant radical, semiquinone, are described. They can be easily performed in a school laboratory, using small quantities of cheap, harmless substances. A great deal of radical chemistry can be learned by simple observation of these reactions.

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Keywords

chemical education, demonstration experiment, semiquinones