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I. Introduction

  • Page ID
    23830
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    An elementary reaction is one that has no intermediates. Every reac­tion that forms an inter­me­diate actually is a combination of two or more elemen­tary reactions. Where radicals are con­cerned, an elementary reaction either creates a radical from a nonradical, transforms one radical into another, or causes a radical to disappear.1,2

    For chain reactions the propa­gation phase always contains at least two elemen­tary reactions (Scheme 1). Nonchain reactions are similar in that they also contain at least two elementary reactions (Scheme 2). The elementary reac­tions upon which the free-radical chemistry of carbohydrates is based are listed in a general form in Table 1.1,2 Specific examples are given in the dis­cussion of each reaction that takes place in this chapter. In describing these reactions the term “carbo­hy­drate radical” (CARB·) refers to a radical centered on one of the atoms, usually carbon, in a carbohydrate.

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    This page titled I. Introduction is shared under a All Rights Reserved (used with permission) license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Roger W. Binkley and Edith R. Binkley.

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