What happens to the reactivity of hydrocarbons during free radical substitution?

During free radical substitution, the reactivity of hydrocarbons can indeed increase due to the formation of free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive species that possess unpaired electrons, making them eager to interact with other molecules.

In the context of hydrocarbons, when a free radical substitution reaction occurs—such as the chlorination of alkanes—an alkane reacts with halogen molecules, leading to the generation of free radicals. These radicals can then react with other hydrocarbon molecules or halogen molecules, potentially creating additional radicals in the process. This chain reaction can significantly enhance the reactivity of hydrocarbons because the presence of radicals facilitates further reactions.

As a result, the presence of generated radicals contributes to an increase in the overall reactivity of the hydrocarbons, as they can initiate subsequent reactions and propagate the radical chain process. This characteristic is essential in various chemical processes and transformations involving hydrocarbons and halogens.