Free Radicals - Definitions and Illustrations
A free radical is defined as molecular species containing an unpaired electron. It may be charged or uncharged.
Most biological free radicals are uncharged
Exception: superoxide (O2-ï)
OH- Hydroxide ion -9 protons, 10 electrons
OHï Hydroxyl Radical -9 protons, 9 electrons
Free radicals are reactive because the unpaired electrons tend to seek out targets, either other unpaired electrons: Hï + Hï _ H2
. . . Or other acceptors of the unpaired electron