noun
- The breaking of a chemical bond in which each of the two atoms retains one electron, producing two radicals.
Usage: chemistry; technical
Examples
- Homolysis of the C-C bond produces two carbon radicals.
- The reaction proceeds through homolysis rather than heterolysis.
- UV light can trigger homolysis of weak bonds in organic molecules.
- Homolytic cleavage is common in free radical chemistry.
- The homolysis of peroxide bonds generates reactive oxygen species.