Definition of Homolytic Bond Cleavage

Homolytic bond cleavage is also known as homolytic fission and it is defined as a type of bond breakage that dissociates the molecule in such a way that each of the two fragments retains one electron from the bonding pair. If the targeted molecule is neutral, it dissociates and resultantly forms two free radicals.

Radicals are known to be highly reactive chemical species. It has been noted that a large amount of energy is required to initiate hemolytic fission. It occurs when the molecule is exposed to ultraviolet radiation or is given a large amount of heat that overcomes bond dissociation energy etc.