radikaaliinitiaattorit

Radikaaliinitiaattorit is a Finnish term that translates to "radical initiators" in English. In chemistry, a radical initiator is a molecule that, when subjected to stimuli such as heat, light, or the presence of an oxidizing or reducing agent, breaks down into highly reactive species known as free radicals. These free radicals are characterized by the presence of an unpaired electron, making them eager to react with other molecules to achieve a stable electron configuration.

The primary function of radical initiators is to start a chain reaction, most commonly polymerization. In this process, the free radicals generated by the initiator attack monomer molecules, creating new radicals. These new radicals then react with other monomers, propagating the chain. This chain growth continues until termination steps occur, such as the combination of two growing radical chains. Common examples of radical initiators include organic peroxides like benzoyl peroxide and azo compounds such as azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN). The choice of initiator depends on the specific monomer, solvent, and desired reaction conditions, as different initiators decompose at different temperatures and have varying efficiencies. Radical initiation is a fundamental process in the synthesis of many polymers, including polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride.