What Is an Allyl Radical?
An allyl radical is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H5 and is known for its high stability due to the delocalization of radicals to the three carbons in the compound by resonance. Although the name originally refers to a single compound, it is generally used as a generic term for compounds with radicals on the allylic carbon, rather than the compound itself.
Although more stable than ordinary radicals, they are not isolated and exist only as reaction intermediates. Therefore, there is no GHS classification or legal requirement for allyl radicals themselves. Therefore, it is necessary to check the starting material, the allyl compound, and its reaction products.
Uses of Allyl Radical
Allyl radicals are used in various ways, including as stable reaction intermediates. Compounds with radicals on carbon atoms exist as intermediates in various reactions. Allyl radicals, like benzyl radicals, are stable intermediates that facilitate the progress of reactions.
Specifically, it is present as an intermediate in the well-known Wall-Ziegler reaction, a bromine addition reaction to a double bond, and is known to affect the regioselectivity of the bromine addition.