Which of the following describes the process where each of the two atoms forming the bond retains one shared electron, leading to free radicals?

The process described involves the breaking of a bond between two atoms in such a way that each atom retains one of the electrons that were originally involved in the bond, producing two free radicals. This specific process is known as homolytic fission.

During homolytic fission, there is an even distribution of the shared electrons, resulting in the formation of two radicals. Each radical has an unpaired electron, which makes them highly reactive. This contrasts with heterolytic fission, where the bond breaks unequally, leading to the formation of a cation and an anion instead.

Understanding this distinction is crucial because homolytic and heterolytic fission play different roles in chemical reactions. Homolytic fission is particularly relevant in radical reactions, like those occurring in organic chemistry, where free radicals often initiate a chain reaction. This knowledge aids in predicting reaction mechanisms and understanding the behavior of various organic compounds.