What Is a Free Radical in Chemistry

An atom or molecule with an unpaired electron. Because they have a free electron, such molecules are highly reactive. Examples Singlet oxygen, molecules with a free hydroxy group (-OH) Properties Free radicals are capable  of  starting rapid  chain-reactions  that  destabilize  the ions in other nearby  molecules  generating  more  free  radicals. In biological systems, free radicals are  deactivated  by  anti-oxidants,  uric  acid,  and  certain  enzyme  activities.