| Heterolytic | Homolytic |
---|---|---|
Cleavage | The two-electron bond between two heteroatoms breaks unequally. | The two-electron bond between two similar or dissimilar atoms breaks equally. |
By-Product | The by-product of the reaction is the generation of two intermediates-cation and an anion. The cation lost the bond electrons to the anion, a more electronegative atom. | The reaction generates two electron-deficient radical species and is highly reactive. |
Representation | A two-headed curly arrow represents the bond cleavage, the arrow base on the bond, and the arrowhead on the atom receiving the two electrons. | A single-headed (fishhook) arrow represents the bond cleavage, the arrow base on the bond, and the arrowhead on the atom receiving the one electron. |
Example |